By Kathy Feist
Kansas City is experiencing an 8 percent growth in multifamily developments and that is a rarity compared to the rest of the country, say economists with North America Home Builders. South Kansas City is doing its part to contribute to the local trend. An update from our report six months ago shows two new multifamily developments added to the list and two ready to open its doors to tenant living.
South Kansas City
222 Waldo Flats – August completion. The former ice house/antique shop off 75th and Wornall has been transformed into a modern five-story, multi-use complex. Built in the heart of Waldo’s lively entertainment district, the building features retail space on the ground floor and 44 residential units above. Studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments range in price from $1025 to $1650 per month. The multi-use complex was developed by Botwin Commercial Development, which owns much of the property along 75th Street, and Linden Street Partners.
The Edison – August completion. The Edison at Bridlespur, off I-435 and Wornall, features a 160-unit complex Studio, one- and two-bedroom sizes lease for $893 to $1577 a month. Amenities include a community room, pool, fitness center, barbecue grills, dog park, cyber lounge, and Lyft/Uber waiting lounge. Some of the units will be built with special soundproofing in the windows to deflect highway noise from nearby I-435. The property is developed by St. Louis-based Quadrant Communities.
The Glade is a mixed-use community being built west of I-435 and 87th St. that will feature a 4-million square foot office campus, two single-family home communities, a section of multifamily buildings and townhomes, all surrounding a village with a Main Street feel. Flanked by the Blue River glades, the outdoor space is designed with amenities including parks, trails, open space, community gardens and more. Indianapolis-based Milhaus’ first phase of the project is a 263-unit apartment complex called Urbane on eight acres at the corners of 87th St. and Drury Ave. The apartments, which are planned to open this fall, include a pool and sun deck, fire pits, bark park, a 24-hour fitness studio, a maker’s room, and conference area. The open floor plan apartments are fitted with quartz countertops and washers and dryers.
Marlborough School Lofts and Townhomes – The mixed-income project includes a reconstruction of the former KCMO elementary school near 75th and Troost into 37 one- and two-bedroom apartments and 18 new two- and three-bedroom row housing. The project is a joint venture between equity2, the Marlborough Community Coalition and Marlborough Community Land Trust. The development is the first to create an investment opportunity open to the public.
Martin City
Forest Ridge Villas – Over 10 acres at 133rd and Charlotte St., behind Jack Stack BBQ in Martin City, will be the site for the 194-unit ski lodge style apartment complex overlooking 300 acres of scenic Jackson County parkland. Rent will range from $897 to $1,119 a month. Amenities include a clubhouse with an exercise room, theater room and pool, as well as a tornado safe room. J.W. Ellis Development says the development is waiting for approval from the city but plans to break ground soon.
135th & Holmes Apartments – A $36 million apartment complex with commercial retail space at 135th and Holmes in Martin City is waiting for zoning approval from the city before it expects to break ground this fall, according to Andrew Doolittle of Miller Commerce. The complex includes three retail spaces designed for restaurants and 180 luxury apartments, all housed in three 4-story buildings. Plans include an amenity center with a swimming pool, workout space and a potential puppy park. The first floor of the buildings will consist of some garage parking and storage units for tenants. Prices range from $900 to $1900. Christie Development will begin the retail projects after the apartments. Completion is projected for spring 2023.
Leawood
Regents Park – The plan for a $135 million mixed use development at 135th and Kenneth Rd (southwest corner) is the first major residential project approved in Leawood’s 135th Street corridor. The high-end village-style community will include 60 townhomes, 81 maintenance provided villas, and 193 luxury apartments built above a retail and office space. Amenities include a pool, clubhouse, two pickleball courts and walking trails. Developer Rick Lashbrook says construction will begin this fall.
Cameron’s Court – The proposed 120-acre site along the north side of 135th St and State Line to Pawnee Ln. consisting of apartments, townhomes and office and retail space has been denied for a second time by the City of Leawood. Oddo Development plans to submit new plans in the future, according to developer Rick Oddo.
State Line 87 – A preliminary plan for a new mixed use development has been approved for 12 acres at 8680 State Line Rd. The property, originally an overflow parking lot for Ward Parkway Center, will consist of 24 townhomes, 182 luxury apartments above office and retail space, two one-story office spaces and 520 parking stalls. The complex will include a swimming pool and walking/biking trails. Full approval is expected this fall, according to developer Doug Weltner, CEO of Weltner Equities. If so, groundbreaking will start in January with completion expected 18 months later.
Grandview
Libertad Grandview – Construction of 55 affordable and seven market-rate family units will be built on three acres near I-49 and 127th St in Grandview. The development would consist of 46 one-bedroom units with a preference for seniors and 16 two-bedroom units for families and individuals with children at risk of homelessness. Amenities would include a meeting room, fitness space, computer lab, on-site laundry, and outdoor playground, as well as free WiFi within common spaces. Preliminary pricing, based on income, is $389 to $925 for a one bedroom unit and $460 to $1000 for a two-bedroom. The Vecino Group out of Springfield expects completion in October 2022.
Belton
The Encore – NorthPoint Development has broken ground for its $44 million, 322-unit apartment complex at the intersection of 163 St and Turner Rd. The 11.6 acres will consist of six 4-story buildings, a swimming pool, clubhouse, walking trail and dog park. Rent will range from $850 for studios to $1600 for two-bedroom apartments. The Encore is Belton’s first apartment complex in 20 years.
Center 301 – Belton’s second apartment complex in 20 years will be located near the Encore, at Towne Center Dr. and Markey Pkwy (behind Target). Center 301 will have 306 units and offer a private dog park, outdoor pool and cabana, and fitness center. The apartments, developed by Case Development out of Tulsa, expect to lease for $965 to $1420 a month.
What about the citizens that are in need of 3 bedroom housings. I live in the South KC area with my two childrens we affordable and safe housing as well. Most of the citizens that lives in the area are either HAKC recipients or just low income. Are we can’t get decent housing cause of our credit scores or the color of our skin
The proposed Trailside Apartments on Bannister Rd & I-435 are planned to be workforce housing (another word for Affordable Housing). Still in the planning stages though.