Rock Island Bridge adding OneKC Roof branding as eco devo leaders celebrate 50 years of wins
November 13, 2026 | Startland News Staff
A rendering from Multistudio shows the planned OneKC Roof on the Rock Island Bridge; photo courtesy of KCADC
A high-profile addition to one of Kansas City’s most popular new destinations is more than a marker of KCADC’s half-century anniversary, David Campbell said; the OneKC branding atop Rock Island Bridge showcases shared identity, economic strength and regional partnerships.
David Campbell, CEO of Evergy and senior co-chair for the Kansas City Area Development Council, right, details plans for the OneKC Roof on the Rock Island Bridge; photo courtesy of KCADC
“Kansas City has a strong foundation and tremendous opportunity ahead, and the OneKC Roof on the Rock Island Bridge is a visible symbol of what we already know: our region is strongest when we work as one,” said Campbell, CEO of Evergy and senior co-chair for the Kansas City Area Development Council. “We embark on the next 50 years with well-grounded confidence and excitement.”
The OneKC marquee — set to be completed in spring 2027 — is made possible through the support and partnership of Mercer Zimmerman, Mark One, Multistudio, Flying Truss LLC and Midtown Signs.
Rock Island Bridge symbolically — and physically — connects Kansas and Missouri over the Kansas River.
Michael Zeller, CEO of the Rock Island Bridge, speaks alongside Christal Watson, mayor of Kansas City, Kansas, and Ryana Parks-Shaw, mayor pro tem of Kansas City, Missouri, during KCADC’s annual meeting; photo courtesy of KCADC
KCADC announced the OneKC Roof on the Rock Island Bridge Thursday as part of its 50th anniversary celebration. Joining to celebrate the announcement were Christal Watson, mayor of Kansas City, Kansas; Ryana Parks-Shaw, mayor pro tem of Kansas City, Missouri; and Michael Zeller, CEO of the Rock Island Bridge.
KCADC is developing a robust communications activation strategy to maximize the landmark’s visibility, the organization said, amplifying its regional significance and engaging audiences ahead of and following its completion.
The organization’s 50-year milestone coincides with a banner year for the Kansas City region, which gained significant international exposure as a host city for FIFA World Cup 26, said Tim Cowden, president and CEO of KCADC.
Tim Cowden, president and CEO of KCADC, right, discusses the impact of the 2026 FIFA World Cup during KCADC’s annual meeting; photo courtesy of KCADC
The region welcomed about 680,000 visitors, according to Visit KC, and KCADC served as a key partner in the region’s efforts to engage international business audiences.
Tim Cowden, president and CEO of KCADC, speaks during KCADC’s annual meeting; photo courtesy of KCADC
“Kansas City has never been a region that waits for opportunity to come to us. We bring people together, make a compelling case for this region and get to work,” said Cowden. “That approach has served us well for 50 years, and with the momentum we have today, I believe our greatest opportunities are still ahead. The next 50 years will be shaped by what we choose to do together.”
More than 2,000 business and civic leaders gathered Thursday for the organization’s sold-out 2026 Annual Meeting, bringing together partners from across the region to celebrate a milestone year and reflect on the collaboration that has driven the economic growth of the OneKC region over the last half-century.
The organization has attracted more than 72,000 new jobs and $27.2 billion over its 50-year history, its leaders said Thursday.
KCADC and its regional partners also reported 2026 results of 996 new jobs, $114.3 million in payroll, $8.9 billion in capital investment and more than 8.7 million square feet of development across the OneKC region.
“This year, as the world turned its attention to our region, we saw firsthand what that collaboration can make possible, and the relationships built will open doors for years to come,” said Cowden. “The strength of this region has always been its people and our willingness to work together. That’s what will define our next 50 years — and beyond.”
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