Michael Knight, Senior Vice President of Construction Management at Hunt Midwest, has been recognized for his extensive contributions to commercial real estate with an induction into the MissouriCRE Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame. His leadership has guided the development of millions of square feet across industrial, residential, and specialized sectors.
Based in Kansas City, Knight's work extends nationally, overseeing complex projects from massive logistics hubs to luxury apartment communities. His role has been central to Hunt Midwest's expansion and diversification, including its management of SubTropolis, the world's largest underground business complex.
Key Takeaways
- Michael Knight of Hunt Midwest has been inducted into the MissouriCRE Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame.
- He has overseen the development of over 3 million square feet of industrial space, with nearly 28 million more planned or under construction.
- Key projects include a 1.5-million-square-foot Ace Hardware facility and developments in multifamily, senior living, and self-storage.
- Knight's leadership has been crucial in diversifying Hunt Midwest's portfolio across seven states.
A Career of Diverse Development
Michael Knight has established a significant presence in the commercial real estate industry through his work at Hunt Midwest. As the Senior Vice President of Construction Management, he directs a wide range of projects that span multiple asset classes.
His responsibilities cover everything from industrial warehouses and mission-critical facilities to upscale residential properties and senior living communities. This versatility has been a driving force behind the company's sustained growth and ability to enter new markets successfully.
Knight expressed that the variety is a rewarding aspect of his role. "I enjoy the variety of projects, partners, and places," he stated. "While Kansas City remains our home base, it has been a privilege to represent Hunt Midwest in other markets, developing industrial and senior living projects."
About Hunt Midwest
Hunt Midwest is a Kansas City-based real estate development company with a portfolio that includes industrial, commercial, retail, mission-critical, multifamily, senior living, and storage properties. The company is also known for managing SubTropolis, a massive underground business complex developed from a former limestone mine.
Transforming the Industrial Landscape
Under Knight’s direction, Hunt Midwest's construction management team has made a substantial impact on the industrial sector. The team has completed more than 3 million square feet of industrial space to date.
The company's current pipeline is even more ambitious, with nearly 28 million square feet of industrial projects either planned or actively under construction across seven states. This expansion reflects a strategic effort to meet the growing demand for modern logistics and distribution facilities.
Landmark Industrial Projects
One of the most notable achievements under Knight's leadership is the development of Ace Hardware’s 1.5-million-square-foot retail support center. Located at KCI 29 Logistics Park, it stands as the largest industrial building by footprint in the Kansas City region.
He also managed the development of a cutting-edge facility for a major global pharmaceutical and medical supplier at the Hunt Midwest Business Center. These projects highlight his team's ability to deliver customized, large-scale solutions for industry leaders.
SubTropolis: An Underground Achievement
Knight's oversight extends to SubTropolis, the world's largest underground business complex. This unique 6.5-million-square-foot facility is housed in a former mine and offers a naturally climate-controlled environment, making it ideal for a variety of businesses, including storage, warehousing, and light manufacturing.
Expanding Residential and Lifestyle Properties
Knight's influence is not limited to the industrial sector. He has been instrumental in the expansion of Hunt Midwest’s luxury multifamily and lifestyle-oriented real estate ventures.
Luxury Multifamily Communities
He played a key role in The Vue, a mixed-use redevelopment project in historic Downtown Overland Park, Kansas. The project's success was recognized with a 2020 Kansas City Business Journal Capstone Award, celebrating its positive impact on the community.
Currently, Knight is overseeing the construction of The Hudson, a 228-unit multifamily community located near The University of Kansas Health System campus. His team is also involved in planning another luxury apartment community in downtown Overland Park.
Senior Living and Self-Storage Ventures
Knight’s expertise extends to specialized residential sectors. He has managed the construction of 260 assisted living and memory care apartments in projects across Colorado, Tennessee, and Florida. Additionally, he has directed expansions at two of Hunt Midwest's nine senior living communities in the Kansas City area.
When Hunt Midwest launched its StorTropolis brand of climate-controlled self-storage facilities, Knight led the construction for all six locations. These facilities now offer more than 4,900 units to customers throughout the Kansas City metro area.
A Philosophy of Openness and Learning
Knight credits his professional success to a mindset centered on adaptability and continuous learning. He believes that flexibility is key to finding the best solutions for complex development challenges.
"Approaching opportunities with an open mind at every phase has served me well over the years," Knight said. "There is always more to learn, and the most innovative and successful solutions often arise when you remain flexible."
He emphasized the collaborative culture at his company. According to Knight, the team at Hunt Midwest focuses on creativity and partnership to achieve the best results for all stakeholders involved in a project.
"Each project is its own puzzle, and solving it with talented and creative partners is incredibly fulfilling," he added, reflecting on his passion for the problem-solving nature of real estate development.
Outside of his professional life, Knight enjoys spending time with family and friends, engaging in outdoor activities. He also has a strong interest in history, particularly the 19th and 20th centuries, and often dedicates his free time to reading on the subject.
