Community Builders of Kansas City staff stayed busy in 2021 impacting underserved neighborhoods through community health and culture events as well as development projects that are transforming the landscape of the urban core. Through CBKC-hosted programs, more than 17,000 people were vaccinated; over 2,000 adults and children received free groceries, diapers and books; and, hundreds enjoyed a free concert, family movie night and The Soul of Santa festivities. More than 145,000 square feet of multi-family and office space projects advanced as well.
The year started off with CBKC being awarded a COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Grant from Kauffman Foundation, which was used to fund vaccination events and grocery giveaways.
In February, CBKC donated retail space at its Shops on Blue Parkway to Swope Health for a vaccine clinic that ran through June. In addition to the clinic, the organization hosted five mass vaccination events at various churches throughout the year.
The May grand reopening of Blue Parkway Sun Fresh was marked with weekend-long festivities including special promotions, prizes and giveaways. In response to community input, the store introduced upgraded and new services and products as well as updated pricing. Also making its debut was the new HomeGrown program showcasing products made by local vendors.
Summer is a great time for family-oriented fun and CBKC didn’t disappoint. In June, community members enjoyed a free Kansas City Symphony outdoor concert and in July were treated to a family movie night at Starlight where the first 100 school-age children received a free backpack and school supplies.
Fall brought a free breakfast and grant writing workshop hosted by CBKC and the Center for Neighborhoods-UMKC at the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center and facilitated by Dr. Stacey Daniels-Young and Murray Woodard.
Turkeys weren’t the only thing given away at the third annual turkey giveaway in November. Groceries, diapers and books were distributed to 1,134 adults and 971 kids and COVID-19 vaccines/boosters were given to 472 adults and 123 kids. Also in November, Blue Parkway Sun Fresh launched its new online ordering and grocery pick-up service offering customers the convenience of 24/7 shopping, time savings, same-day pick-up and groceries loaded into their vehicle.
Closing out the busy year of community events was the CBKC’s first The Soul of Santa tree lighting, community breakfast and toy giveaway bringing the Christmas spirit to The Shops on Blue Parkway.
2021 was a busy year on the development front as well. In December, CBKC was awarded a 4 percent Missouri Housing Development Commission allocation for the redevelopment of the Twin Elms Apartments located at 41st St. and Paseo.
Throughout the year, significant progress was made on The Rochester Apartments on the Boulevard located at 3939 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Construction on the 81,000-square-foot project is on schedule to complete in June 2022. The Rochester features one- (675 square feet), one plus- (750-850 square feet with den), and two-bedroom/two-bath (1,000 square feet) units. Rents range from $985-$1500 depending on size, floor level and views. All residents have access to The Nest, a 2,000-square-foot rooftop indoor/outdoor gathering space featuring a firepit. To reserve a unit visit www.therochesterkc.com.
CBKC’s innovative Offices at Overlook also got underway with demolition of the former site of the Houston Shopping Center and Zion Grove Missionary Baptist Church on the 11-acre plot at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and Chestnut Ave., completing in December. Mass excavation is expected to be done by the end of first quarter 2022 and construction on the 64,000-square-foot office building with three stories and private tenant roof terraces is expected to begin later in the year.
CBKC would like to extend a sincere thank you to all its community partners for joining the charge to influence positive change in the urban core.