By Kathy Feist
There is a proliferation of apartment construction throughout the metro area and south Kansas City is no different, especially around the Bannister Rd area. We start our semi-annual update with this newspaper’s hometown.
Martin City
Forest Ridge Villas – Within a couple of months, Forest Ridge Villas located on 10 acres at 133rd and Charlotte will begin leasing. The 194-unit development offers one- and two-bedroom apartments as well as a new concept: a large one bedroom with hobby room. Monthly rent will vary from $1090 to $1350. The property overlooks 300 acres of scenic Jackson County parkland to the east and the pleasures of Martin City restaurants and bars to the west. Amenities include a clubhouse with an exercise room, theater room and pool, as well as a tornado safe room. Developer Ray Jagoda expects a completion date by Spring 2023.
13501 Holmes Rd LLC – The 18-acre property that was to become a mixed use development at the former Martin City Paintball location on 135th and Holmes Rd. was sold to Edward Merriman of Americo Life for approximately $3 million. Merriman is one of Kansas City’s most influential business leaders who recently invested in large residential developments in midtown and downtown Kansas City. Merriman also purchased the 9-acre Sutherland Lumber tract at 13500 Holmes Rd. for $3 million. No plans yet on the properties’ future.
Bannister
Trails at Bannister – Preliminary plans have been approved by the City Plan Commission for a 342-apartment community on 24 acres south of the Cerner campus, 93rd and Hillcrest near the Kansas City Southern railroad tracks. The plans include 19 three-story buildings featuring one-, two- and three-bedrooms and garage parking. The historic Schumacher Park will sit on the site’s northern edge. The preliminary plan is scheduled to go before the City Planning Commission for public hearing on July 19.
Urbane – Just west of the Cerner campus, across I-435, are the 263-unit Urbane apartments that are part of the future biotech community called The Glade. Located on 8 acres at 87th and Drury Ln, Urbane will have nine 3-story buildings with one-, two- and three-bedroom units apartments. Monthly rent starts at $1075. Amenities will include a swimming pool, barbecue grills, a firepit, fitness center, dog spa and dog park and a maker’s space for large craft or furniture hobbies.The first tenant building will open July 15. All buildings are expected to open by spring 2023.
The Villas at Oakwood – The former Spofford campus, located at 9700 Grandview Rd., will be transformed into a 29-acre villa complete with a 9-hole per Par 3 golf course, 16 stucco villas, four cabins and other amenities. The villas will be available for sale while the cabins are available for rent by members of the Oakwood Country Club. The property will connect with Oakwood Country Club, part of the club’s redevelopment process developed by Ken Block of Block Real Estate.
Red Bridge
Limeview Development – A residential plan by Limeview Development proposes 19 single family homes on 5.6 acres of wooded property at 12800 Holmes Rd. Plans are still in the preliminary stages and must meet city staff conditions before final approval by City Council.
115th & Holmes Rd – The plan for 34 townhomes at the southeast corner of 115th and Holmes Rd. are on hold as Iron Door Development seeks the purchase of adjacent property. Original plans depicted two-story townhomes grouped into six duplexes, six triplexes and one quadplex on 3.4 acres. Each unit would include three bedrooms, 2 ½ bathrooms, a single-car garage and a short driveway.
Leawood
Regents Park – Land is already being cleared near 135th and Kenneth Rd. to make way for the Regents Park mixed use development. The high-end village-style community will include 60 townhomes, 81 maintenance provided villas, and 193 luxury apartments with retail and office space on the first floor. Amenities include a pool, clubhouse, two pickleball courts and walking trails. According to developer Rick Lashbrook the current rough grading will clear the way for infrastructure (sewers) and eventually streets in the fall. The Villas will be the first to go vertical in this property layout, each starting around $800,000.
East Village of Leawood – Formerly known as Cameron’s Court, the controversial 120-acre that travels along the north side of 135th St between State Line to Pawnee Ln. has changed names. When built, it will consist of 648 apartments, 84 townhomes, 26 twin villas, 35 single family homes, 40 condos, a 100-unit assisted living center and office and retail space. According to developer Rick Oddo, final plans will be submitted to the city for approval in the next 60 to 90 days.
Leawood Village – A mixed-use development is planned 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. The apartment complex will include a swimming pool and walking/biking trails. Groundbreaking started this spring. It is expected to go vertical by fall, according to developer Doug Weltner, CEO of Weltner Equities.
Grandview
Libertad Grandview – The controversial mixed-income housing planned for 127th and Lemon Tree Rd off I-49 is still a possibility. The developer Vecino Group submitted plans with modifications at a June 28th Alderman meeting where it received a 3-2 vote (one abstaining) against the project. The project could still be back on the docket in the future.
Sunrise Farms Phase II – Sunrise Farms neighborhood was developed 15 years ago, but its second phase never got off the ground. Until now. Forty-two homes will be added to the neighborhood thanks to Bryan Rahn with Valley Oaks Investments. Groundbreaking will start in two weeks for sidewalks, streets, sewer and storm drainage. Houses will go vertical in three months. Expect new houses in the $300,000 price range.
Belton
The Encore – The $44 million, 322-unit apartment complex at the intersection of 163 St and Turner Rd is now leasing for late fall move-ins. The 4-story complexes built on 12 acres will consist of studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments ranging in monthly rent from $869 to $1900. Amenities include a swimming pool, clubhouse, demonstration kitchen with cafe, fitness center with yoga studio and tanning, a dog grooming center and dog park and a co-working space. The project, developed by NorthPoint Development, is Belton’s first apartment complex in over 20 years. Completion is expected in August 2023.
Center 301 – Belton’s second apartment complex in 20 years, Center 301, will be located near the Encore, at Towne Center Dr. and Markey Pkwy (behind Target). Center 301 will have 306 units featuring one- and two-bedroom apartments ranging from $965 to $1420. The property will offer a private dog park, outdoor pool and cabana, and fitness center. The project, developed by Case Development out of Tulsa, is expected to be completed spring 2023.