Technology service provider CoSentry will build a new $31.6 million data center in Lenexa, KS, part of the Greater Kansas City area, creating more than 60 jobs. CoSentry is a one source provider of data center, cloud computing and managed technical services.

"CoSentry performed an extensive market analysis prior to selecting the Kansas City area for our newest data center. We considered factors including business climate, incentives, and power costs," said Doug West, vice president and general manager for CoSentry's south region. "We started with 21 markets, and the Kansas City area ultimately rose to the top after a two-year evaluation process."

CoSentry will purchase 57,517 sq. ft. at 14500 W. 105th Street in Lenexa. Colliers International led the real estate search on behalf of the company, which is expected to begin construction next month.

The Kansas City region is home to more than 300 companies in the technology and IT industry, employing more than 65,000. The region ranks among the nation's top three for IT workforce availability. As home to Sprint's world headquarters, major AT&T regional facilities and now the first city in the world to receive Google Fiber, Kansas City is a focal point both for long-haul fiber and transcontinental fiber networks, as well as innovative new technology.

KCP&L is the largest energy provider in the KC region, a critical asset for data centers. Operational efficiencies have allowed KCP&L to reduce prices four times since 1987, making Kansas City one of the country's most competitively priced energy markets.

The Kansas City Area Development Council, the Kansas Department of Commerce and the Lenexa Chamber and Economic Development Council worked together to bring CoSentry to the Kansas City region.