With the supply chain and labor constraints of the pandemic era in the rearview mirror, 2023 was a busy year for Community Builders of Kansas City (CBKC) development projects. About $13 million was spent on construction and 2024 is projected to be twice that pace at $25 million.
“We are well positioned to carry that momentum into this new year,” said Shannon Hesterberg, CBKC chief operations and real estate officer. “It’s always satisfying to see progress being made because the benefits to the community go beyond the obvious brick and mortar. It also creates jobs and promotes the economy and, at the end of the day, that’s what is most important to us.”
Construction continues in the Overlook District as plans progress for the first office building to go vertical in early 2024. Projected to cost around $20 million to build, the Health Forward Foundation signed on as its anchor tenant taking 20,000 of the 64,000-square-foot Class A commercial building located at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and Chestnut Ave. The multi-phase Overlook District will transform underused and blighted property into 180,000 square feet of Class A office space, 19,000 square feet of mixed-use space and 155 multi-family units. Other features include a health and wellness walking trail and outdoor event plazas, making the development another first of its kind in the area.
A massive overhaul on The Cleveland units and construction of its new clubhouse were completed in December with minimal tenant disruption. The $8 million project combined Mt. Cleveland Heights and Mt. Cleveland Townhomes into one property located at 51st St. and Cleveland Ave.
“Our residents have given us enthusiastically positive feedback on the changes, which include modern appliances, new paint and flooring and modernized bathrooms and kitchens,” said Hesterberg. “The property’s exterior got new roofing and paint as well as the addition of a beautiful new clubhouse with space for classes, exercise and computer rooms and a common area where residents can hold meetings or gatherings. Also, new onsite programming such as health/wellness initiatives, job search and career development services and youth-oriented activities have been added.”
Renovations at Twin Elms Senior Housing Complex, located at 41st Street and The Paseo, began in December 2023. CBKC secured Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) low-income housing tax credits (LIHTC) for the project. The $8.8 million in renovations to the 20-year-old property include a new roof; stucco priming and painting; new landscaping, fencing and irrigation system; and sidewalk repairs. Inside the 54-unit building HVAC, flooring, kitchen and bathroom cabinetry, countertops, window coverings, appliances, plumbing fixtures and lighting are being modernized. The on-site amenities will be updated as well including a renovated primary community room with kitchenette, office space with computer stations, smaller community room with TV area and billiards, a fitness room and small library.
“This project is especially important because it fills a tremendous need for affordable senior housing in Kansas City’s urban core,” said Hesterberg.
All are invited to take a look at the bee mural and pollinators at work – thanks to the efforts of MO Hives KC – on the Overlook District’s wellness trail.