Exploring SubTropolis: The Unique Underground Space Used by Ford and USPS
Why Ford And The U.S. Postal Service Both Use The Same Kansas City Cave

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Ford and the U.S. Postal Service utilize SubTropolis, a vast underground facility in Kansas City, originally a limestone mine. This unique storage space offers climate control and cost savings, making it ideal for storing unsold vehicles and stamps.
- 01SubTropolis spans 14 million square feet and was established in 1964 in a former limestone mine.
- 02Ford has expanded its leased space in SubTropolis to over 1 million square feet since 1965 for vehicle parts storage.
- 03The U.S. Postal Service stores approximately $3 billion worth of stamps in SubTropolis.
- 04Underground storage in SubTropolis is about half the cost of surface facilities and provides significant energy savings.
- 05The constant temperature and insulation from surrounding rock make it an ideal environment for both Ford and USPS operations.
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SubTropolis, a 14-million-square-foot underground business park in Kansas City, serves as a unique storage solution for both Ford and the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). Originally a limestone mine, SubTropolis was transformed into a storage facility in 1964 by Lamar Hunt. Ford first leased space there in 1965, initially using 82,000 square feet for parts storage related to its Kansas City Assembly Plant. Over the years, Ford has expanded its presence to over 1 million square feet, attracting aftermarket upfitters seeking proximity to its vehicles. The USPS also benefits from this facility, storing around $3 billion worth of stamps. The underground environment offers significant advantages, including rental costs that are approximately half of those for similar surface facilities and energy savings of up to 70% due to its naturally climate-controlled conditions. The unique subterranean setting has garnered attention, with car enthusiasts highlighting the storage of classic vehicles like the '73 Ford Mavericks.
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The use of SubTropolis by Ford and USPS provides significant cost savings and energy efficiency, impacting local business operations.
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