On a crisp, sunny day in late February, about 40 stakeholders turned out to help Community Builders of Kansas City (CBKC) celebrate the completion of renovations at The Cleveland. The $14.3 million project combined Mt. Cleveland Heights and Mt. Cleveland Townhomes into one development, renovated the 80 units and added a new community building. The ribbon cutting was held at the new clubhouse that features space for classes, an exercise room, a computer room and a common area where residents can hold meetings or social gatherings.

“When we approached the residents of Sheraton Estates about building the clubhouse, they were immediately on board, so we wanted to make sure the building fit the personality of the area,” said Emmet Pierson, Jr., president and CEO of CBKC. “The brick on the exterior and wide front porch inviting neighborhood gatherings match the community feel of the neighborhood.”

There were many partners involved in the makeover of the units as well as the new build of the 3,400-square-foot, $1.3 million community building and Pierson personally thanked personally thanked key staff with CBKC, East Pointe Realty and CB Constructs as well as community partners including:

  • James Dunton, vice president and managing director of acquisitions for Raymond    James Affordable Housing Investments 
  • Christina Fenwick, vice president of community development and commercial real estate relationship manager for UMB Bank
  • Parker Young, president, Straub Construction
  • LaTasha McCall, owner, LM2 Construction

Additionally, Pierson thanked longtime CBKC friends and business associates Willy Lanier, Jr., and Don Maxwell for their support. 

In attendance from the city were Kansas City, Missouri City Council members Darrell Curls, 5th District at Large and Melissa Patterson Hazley, 3rd District-at-Large, as well as CBKC board members Stan Archie, Linda Brown and Carol Grimaldi.

“We’re grateful to all our partners who have come together to make this exciting renovation and addition of a clubhouse possible for our residents,” said Pierson. “The Cleveland is the cornerstone development that led to CBKC’s creation so we are excited to oversee its modernization that will take it into the next generation.”