On Aire Ep. 3 w/ Bart Lowen – The Art of Industrial Real Estate Podcast” featuring Bart Lowen from Price Brothers
Building Kansas City: An Inside Look with Bart Lowen of Price Brothers
Episode 3 of On Air with Team Jensen
In the third episode of On Air with Team Jensen: The Art of Industrial Real Estate, the team sits down with Bart Lowen, VP of Development at Price Brothers, for a deep dive into architecture, real estate development, family, and the future of Kansas City’s commercial landscape. With over two decades of experience—starting as a licensed architect and transitioning into development—Bart offers a refreshingly candid look into the evolution of urban projects and personal choices that shape careers in commercial real estate.
🎓 From Drafting Tables to Development Deals
Originally from Wichita, KS, Bart studied architecture at Kansas State University, following in the footsteps of his architect father. But after years of design work with firms like Clover Architects and leading architectural efforts at RED Development, Bart made the leap into the development side—thanks in part to encouragement from mentor Dan Lowe at RED. The switch was triggered by a personal moment with his daughter, highlighting the value of being home during key family years.
“I walked in my daughter’s room at 9 p.m. and she said, ‘Bye Dad’… thinking I was leaving again. That’s when I knew I had to make a change.”
🏢 Projects That Shaped a Career
Some of Bart’s early major projects include work on Town Center Crossing, The Legends, and various retail and mixed-use developments in the Kansas City metro. At RED, he worked closely with leasing executives like Rod Yates, gaining key insight into real estate economics, cap rates, and deal-making.
Today, at Price Brothers—a 100-year-old third-generation company—Bart oversees diverse projects across retail, multifamily, office, and industrial sectors. Flagship efforts include:
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BluHawk, a massive mixed-use development in Overland Park featuring 650,000 sq. ft. of retail, hotels, office, and a 420,000 sq. ft. youth sports complex.
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Sky on Main, a downtown Kansas City high-rise being redeveloped into a premier residential/office asset.
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Industrial expansion near the airport, including a 400,000+ sq. ft. facility.
“We’re not merchant builders—we’re portfolio holders. What we develop, we typically own long-term.”
💡 COVID, Retail, and Industrial Acceleration
Bart shares how the pandemic reshaped development strategy across all asset classes. While residential stayed surprisingly stable, retail took the biggest hit, forcing landlords to adapt quickly. Ironically, industrial boomed—driven by e-commerce growth and supply chain realignment. That surge prompted Price Brothers to diversify into logistics-based industrial real estate.
“We admit—we’re 100 years in residential and 100 minutes into industrial—but development discipline is universal.”
🌎 Kansas City on the Rise
From a reimagined airport to hosting national events like the NFL Draft, Kansas City is experiencing a boom in visibility and investment. Bart believes the metro’s central location, affordable living, and quality school districts are major draws, especially as coastal residents seek new opportunities inland.
He’s also bullish on infrastructure investments like the K-10 and 69 Highway corridors, the Panasonic battery plant near De Soto, and expansion opportunities in Dallas, Denver, and Nashville, where Price Brothers is also active.
🧑👩👧👦 Family, Sports, and Legacy
Off the clock, Bart and his family stay close. With three kids in dance, athletics, and shooting sports, the Lowens are always on the move. He jokes about living near Powder Creek Gun Club, which conveniently fuels his son’s passion for competitive shooting. Though his son isn’t leaning toward real estate just yet, Bart emphasizes that careers can take unexpected, rewarding turns—just like his own.
“If you’re paying attention—and maybe answering to more than yourself—you’ll be taken to some phenomenal places.”
🏁 What’s Next for Price Brothers
The future is about strategic growth, market diversification, and deepening community impact. With BluHawk nearing a transformative stage, Bart expresses pride in navigating its complexities—from public-private partnerships and STAR bonds to leasing and construction. He credits the success to a culture of trust and long-term thinking that defines the company.
“Everyone at Price, from the CEO to maintenance staff, is treated like family—and that’s what makes us strong.”
Learn more about BluHawk at www.bluhawk.com
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