Subtropolis

Hiding below Kansas City is a cave nine times the size of the Pentagon which makes up the largest underground business complex in the world. Located over 150 feet underground, this man-made cave has over 8 miles of fully illuminated roadway, and a total over more than 55 million square feet of space. Inside this complex are 55 unique businesses that take advantage of the underground for different reasons. One of which, the Lightedge Data Center utilizes the natural insulation and built in security systems. This is the most secure data center in the world.

Another business that utilizes the cave system for its natural insulation and security is the Hollywood Film Vault, which contains just about every single one of your favorite movies. All the original copy. The purpose of this: preservation. Keeping the film rolls cool and secure is the best way to preserve our greatest cinematic moments. This is Hollywood’s secret movie vault.

Our Experience

Upon arriving in the caves, we were greeted by Ora Reynolds, the CEO of Hunt Midwest, the company that owns the entire cave system, known as Subtropolis. Fun Fact: Hunt Midwest also owns the Kansas City Chiefs! Ora explained to us that essentially Subtropolis leases out the space to businesses that hope to take advantage of the cave for various reasons.

What is the temperature in Subtropolis?

Temps are kept at 68 degrees at all times. Because of this constant temperature and the natural insulation, tenants save up to 70% on their energy bills. Even the 60% humidity in the underground is ideal for storage. That is why Joe Paris, of Paris Brothers uses Subtropolis to store his cheese, coffee, tea and other food products. In fact, at one point, the world’s entire supply of cool whip was stored here. Source

Our biggest and most profound takeaway from our Subtropolis visit was that the place set aside glamour and put forward maximizing efficiency. It's easy for businesses to desire a New York City high rise, with million dollar suites and fancy office furniture. But Subtropolis ignores the flashiness of businesses for the function of business. And it’s working. The tenants are filling up fast and many claim that the underground business is the business of the future.

What is the largest underground business complex?

The world’s largest underground business complex is SubTropolis which has over “6,700,000 of leasable space” and has a total of 55,000,000 square feet of total area. Source

How many businesses are in SubTropolis?

SubTropolis is home to over 55 companies. In total, there are more than 2000 employees that work in the cave. Source

Where is Subtropolis?

SubTropolis is located in Kansas City, Missouri.

How big is Subtropolis?

Subtropolis is enormous and is home to more than 8.5 miles of lighted roadways, has more than 10,000 pillars and 2.1 miles of railroad tracks. It’s total area is more than 55,000,000 square feet. Source

Subtropolis is the largest underground business complex in the world.
Located 150 feet underground, in 55 million square feet are 8 miles of fully illuminated roadway and countless businesses in operation every day.
One of these businesses in Subtropolis is The Hollywood Film Vault, where all of the original copies of your favorite movies are being preserved.
Lightedge is a business in Subtropolis that, through 7 tiers of security, contains the most secure data center in the world.