LAWRENCE, KS — The University of Kansas (KU), along with development partners Edgemoor/Sunflower Partners, joined the Clark-JE Dunn Construction joint venture team to celebrate the topping out of more than 1,200 tons of steel for the east portion of the new stadium bowl, marking a major step forward in the ongoing transformation of David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium and the surrounding campus district.
This event marked a key milestone on the project, with additional progress to come as construction advances across the broader KU Gateway District. As construction lead for the new mixed-use development, the Clark-JE Dunn Construction joint venture team continues to build momentum on site.
“Reaching this milestone is a true testament to the strength of our partnership and the dedication of the entire project team,” said David Young, Project Director for the Clark-JE Dunn Construction joint venture. “Setting the final structural steel beam atop the new east grandstands is a symbol of the craftsmanship, pride, and commitment of the hundreds of skilled workers bringing this vision to life.”
The KU Gateway District is a multi-phase development designed to completely reimagine the stadium footprint. This particular phase of the project, known as Phase 2, will transform the east stands and introduce a mixed-use district complete with student housing, a flagship hotel, and retail. Phase 2 is also focused heavily on elevating the gameday experience for students, fans, and the Lawrence community through the introduction of modern seating options, hospitality spaces, and venue infrastructure upgrades.
For Edgemoor/Sunflower Development Director Banks Floodman, the milestone carries a personal significance.
| Your local Magni dealer |
|---|
| Kirby-Smith Machinery |
| Kirby-Smith Machinery |
| Kirby-Smith Machinery |
| Kirby-Smith Machinery |
“I’ve witnessed KU’s football program evolve over many years, from my time on the team during college through my stint in the Athletics Department earlier in my career," Floodman said. "This development is an exciting next step for the program and for the university. Seeing that beam go up drives home the impact this project will have on the members of the KU and greater Lawrence community.”
KU’s Athletic Director Travis Goff expressed his gratitude for the project team and the significance of their efforts during the ceremony.
“I’m just so proud of the project," he said. "We have a remarkable team that is part of what is arguably the most complex and far-reaching development in our region. Certainly it is when we think of Lawrence and the University of Kansas, but it even transcends that. This will be one of the best homefield environments in the country.”
Following this milestone, the project team will shift focus to enclosing the building and advancing interior construction, with Phase 2 on track to deliver a reimagined stadium experience that supports both athletics and broader campus life.
