The Eskie Update | Winter 2025-2026
Happy New Year from the Eskie Team!
While construction may start to slow as the winter season rolls in, behind the scenes, plans continue to develop and the wheels keep on turning. And in between the work we’ve done, have been some exciting outings to fill the time!
PROJECT UPDATES
Basehor-Linwood High School + Early Learning Center – Construction 🏗️
Client: Basehor-Linwood USD 458
Project Size: $60M | K-12 Bond Projects
Project Partners: McCownGordon Construction | HTK Architects | Schlagel & Associates
At Basehor-Linwood High School, millwork finishes and interior glazing is being installed. Owner vendors such as AV and Security will soon start being installed on site. Exterior finishes are being installed. McCownGordon has finished up the greenhouse lighting renovations and AHU replacement.
Work is soon expected to start on the Performing arts center and interior renovations this spring.
Over at the Early Learning Center, under-slab utilities and stem walls have been completed, and slabs have been poured. Structural steel work has begun and the trash enclosure structure has been built. The furniture contract has been executed and furniture ordered, and turf submittals have been sent for approval.
Gordon Parks Elementary School – New Project!
Client: Gordon Parks Elementary
We are currently helping charter school Gordon Parks develop a scope of work and prepare an RFQ for construction services. Construction documents are scheduled to be completed by mid‑February, the CMAR will be selected in early March, and construction expected to begin in late May.
Citizens of the World Addition – CONSTRUCTION 🚜
Client: Citizens of the World Charter Schools - Kansas City
Project Size: $16.7M
Project Partners: McCownGordon Construction | Multistudio | STAND Structural Engineering | PKMR Engineers | Martin & Martin | FOCAL Design | Titan Environmental
First-floor in-wall inspections have been completed, and sheetrock is currently being hung. Exterior brickwork has continued and is expected to be completed at the start off the second quarter. The second-floor polished concrete has been completed and steel framing is now underway.
KCPS Charter School Bond Projects – PROJECT PLANNING 📊🗓️
Client: Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS)
Project Size: $50M | 9 Charter Schools
We continue to prepare project approval and invoice packages with the charter schools to be submitted to KCPS for approval.
Currently, we are assisting Academie Lafayette with the Oak Campus HVAC and window replacement project, as well as KCGPA with wall reconstruction permitting and construction start-up. Our team is actively supporting all charter schools with questions, concerns, and issues as they arise, as well as performing site visits to review completed work and meeting with their staff to discuss ongoing projects.
Roy Blunt Health Science Innovation Center – Construction 🚜
Client: Missouri Southern State University
Project Size: $48M | 68,000 SF
Project Partners: Crossland Construction | CGA Architects | RDG | Pulse Design
Exterior plantings and site finishes have been installed, and finishes have started to be installed. We will soon perform the punch list for substantial completion, and owner equipment will be delivered in the spring.
Canyon Creek Apartment Homes – Construction 🪚 🔨
Client: MRE Capital
Project Size: $46M | 5 Buildings | 212 Units
Project Partners: Schlagel | Streamline General Contractors | KTI | TranSystems
All buildings are currently in their finishing stages, with the roadway project having been officially completed.
Phase 1 (includes buildings 1 and 2) is scheduled for completion at the end of this month. Phase 2 (includes buildings 3 and 4) is on track for completion in mid‑April. Lastly, Phase 3 (includes building 5, the dog park, playground and pavilion) should wrap up in early June.
Great work to the Canyon Creek project team for helping us reach these major project milestones!
Photos by Streamline
Pittsburg Regional Crime Center + Laboratory – Construction
Client: Kansas Bureau of Investigation | Pittsburg State University
Project Size: ≈ $56M | 62,000 SF
Project Partners: McCownGordon Construction | PGAV Architects | Henderson
Earthwork has been completed. Spread footings are finished, and underground electrical and plumbing work is currently underway. The retention pond is in place and being managed with temporary pumps.
INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
Check out the BlueSky Media 2026 Kansas City Advisory Panel!
Our Owner + Managing Partner Erin Merrill is excited for her and the Eskie Team to be involved with the BlueSky organization.
We love being involved in shaping the landscape of the Kansas City Metro, alongside other key individuals within the construction and development industry.
Stay tuned for events, news, and monthly and weekly content content from BlueSky Media → Make sure to subscribe at the link below to receive their weekly bulletin covering the goings-ons of the AEC/CRE Industry!
UPCOMING EVENTS
AASA National Conference on Education
When: February 12 – 14, 2026
Where: The Music City Center | Nashville, TN
Next week, you can find the Eskie + Lighthouse Owner’s Representative Team at the AASA’s National Conference on Education. Through this organization, leaders in education are building a dynamic community committed to improving education for all students. Join our team, along with many dedicated school superintendents from across the nation, in Nashville and gain new tools to help aid you and your schools’ success!
Women Who Lead! Panel Event
Join our team and Owner Erin Eskie Merrill at the upcoming Women Who Lead! panel brought to you by BlueSky Media.
From BlueSky Media: Connect with fellow Kansas City professionals, celebrate impactful leadership, and be part of a community that supports and elevates women making a difference.
When: February 25, 2026 | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Where: Venue TBA Soon (Kansas City Metropolitan Area)
Breakthrough T1D Dream Gala 2026
When: May 2, 2026 | 5:30 PM
Where: The Muehlebach Tower of the Kansas City Marriott Downtown
The Breakthrough T1D Dream Gala is returning to Kansas City on Saturday, May 2. Funds raised go directly towards efforts to study and cure Type One Diabetes. Join the Eskie Team in supporting this organization’s mission of turning Type One into Type None!
Secure your seat/table at the link below!
ESKIE TEAM SPOTLIGHT
Chad Grauer | Senior Project Manager
KIleen Beran | Marketing Manager
Two of our Eskie team members were able to venture into warmer weather over the holidays.
Prior to celebrating Christmas, our Senior Project Manager Chad Grauer made his way to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Alongside his family, the top priority on the trip was soaking up the sun and taking a well-deserved respite from all the hard work he has been doing.
Chad said he loved being able to play beach volleyball with his children and their cousins, as well as watching them catch ocean waves on their boogie boards.
Not long after Chad returned from his vacation, Marketing Manager Kileen Beran ventured to the same town to celebrate the New Year.
Sticking primarily by the beach, she was able to enjoy the warm weather and wonderful scenery. Her favorite part of the trip included her many interactions with the local cats littered about the resort, as well as the endless supply of espresso.
Both Chad and Kileen had a blast on their vacations and celebrating the holidays, bringing home some great memories to take into the New Year.
Thank you all for being a part of this past year and all the milestones in it. We are proud to be able to bring we have learned and accomplished into the rest of 2026.
Reminder to stay safe and stay warm the rest of this winter season! Thank you for tuning in for this edition of the Eskie Update, and we’ll see you again next quarter.
