To say the Community Builders of Kansas City team was busy last year would be a vast understatement. In 2022, the organization increased its staff by seven, grew its subsidiary property management company EastPointe Realty LLC, purchased a second grocery store on the East Side and celebrated significant milestones for three of its development projects. This is in addition to the myriad community outreach efforts that included an urban bus tour, free outdoor movie at Starlight Theater, multiple food giveaways and a two-day Christmas holiday celebration.
“CBKC is a leader of economic development, access, opportunity and advocacy for Kansas City’s east side since 1991,” said Emmet Pierson, Jr., president and CEO. “As millions live in a state of housing uncertainty or instability, struggle with consistent employment and face other challenges, CBKC knows it is time for non-profit CDCs to partner-up and scale-up.”
To execute on CBKC’s aggressive development and community agenda, the organization needed to grow its staff. Michael Dayton, senior advisor to the president; Jon Hartner, development specialist; and Anita Krasniqi, comptroller, joined CBKC in 2022. CBKC Eats, the organization’s subsidiary focused on healthy food initiatives, added Laura Hohlbaugh, chief retail operations officer, to oversee both its KC Sun Fresh grocery stores, Olivier “OT” Kabuya as store director of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. location and Tony Gutierrez as store director for the Linwood location.
Development in 2022 was highlighted by the September grand opening of The Rochester, an affordable luxury multi-family project at 3949 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. The $13 million, first-of-its-kind project brings a new living option to Kansas City’s East Side. The 81,400-square-foot space offers units ranging from one-bedroom to a penthouse two-bedroom executive suite. All feature in-demand finishes and amenities.
The transformation of The Cleveland from two separate projects into one began in November. The renovation includes the complete modernization of 80 residential units and construction of a new community building. The property features three-bedroom duplex units, ranging from spacious 1,039 to 1,276 square feet, complete with a single-car attached garage. It is expected to be complete in 2023.
CBKC was awarded $8.8 million in low-income housing tax credits (LIHTC) by the Missouri Housing Development Commission for a major remodel of the Twin Elms Senior Housing Complex. Situated at 41st Street and The Paseo, the 54-unit complex meets the pressing demand for affordable senior housing in Kansas City’s city center. Its art deco design and amenities, including controlled building access, onsite laundry, off-street parking, community space and exercise room have earned recognition. The project will begin renovation in 2023.
In keeping with its mission to provide healthy, affordable food in urban areas, CBKC in February became owner and operator of the Lipari Bros. Sun Fresh at Linwood, one of the few remaining full-service grocery stores east of Prospect. The acquisition of the 38,000-square-foot store, renamed KC Sun Fresh, brings the organization’s supermarket ownership to two locations totaling 90,000 square feet. It also adds CBKC to a very short list of African American-led, full-service grocery stores in the country.
EastPointe Realty, a full-service real estate brokerage subsidiary of Community Builders of Kansas City specializing in property management, has seen growth and expansion since its establishment 18 months ago. The firm has expanded to St. Louis and now manages 990 units with 31 employees.
CBKC’s tradition of community outreach continued in 2022 with old favorites as well as a new event. In May about 50 residents, neighborhood and civic leaders participated in the inaugural Urban Bus Tour to view the transformational change CBKC is influencing in the area. In partnership with the Missouri Black Legislative Caucus, the tour allowed CBKC to showcase its developments to its stakeholders.
More than 150 local residents enjoyed a free showing of the modern family classic The Lion King at Starlight Theater. At the fourth annual Thanksgiving giveaway nearly 600 adults and 340 households were gifted turkeys along with meal kits from Harvesters to enjoy for the holiday. Flu and Covid vaccines, free books and Bombas socks were available as well.
The year closed with the second annual Soul of Santa Tree Lighting event at The Shops on Blue Parkway in December. The two-day celebration featured Christmas carols and a dazzling tree lighting; donation of hats, mittens and scarves; complimentary hot breakfast; Santa letter-writing; book readings and a special Christmas gift for the kids.