Latest News
CBKC’s $8.8M Renovation of Twin Elms Nears Completion
Community Builders of Kansas City is nearing completion on an $8.8 million renovation of its Twin Elms Senior Housing Complex. Located at 41st Street and The Paseo, the retirement community fills a tremendous need for affordable senior housing in Kansas City’s urban core. The 54-unit development has been recognized for its art deco design and amenities such as controlled access to the building, off-street parking and community space.
“In Missouri, nearly 30 percent of senior households are low-income, making Twin Elms a highly sought after housing complex,” explained Shannon Hesterberg, chief operations and real estate officer at CBKC. “It also provides a prime location near retail amenities, hospitals and numerous parks and outdoor venues.”
The 20-year-old property is nearing completion on extensive renovations, both inside and out. Exterior improvements include a new roof, new stucco, paint, upgrades to the landscaping, the addition of an irrigation system and sidewalk repairs. The wide-ranging interior upgrades feature new energy-efficient HVAC systems and appliances as well as new flooring, kitchen and bathroom cabinets, countertops, window treatments, plumbing fixtures and lighting.
The community amenities have also been enhanced and include a remodeled main community room with kitchenette, workspace with computer stations, secondary community room featuring a TV area, billiards and small library.
“The Twin Elms renovations go beyond physical improvements to the property,” said Hesterberg. “The improvements include new resident services like social gatherings, healthy meal events, fitness and balance classes, financial literacy workshops, employment support and assistance with utility and rent payments. All new services are coordinated by Horizon Housing Foundation.”
Hesterberg shared that residents also will have access to a monthly mobile food pantry, nutrition and cooking classes and an annual wellness check-up.
Twin Elms is currently accepting applications. EastPointe Realty, the real estate management subsidiary of CBKC, oversees leasing and management of the property and can be reached at 816-994-1960 or epr-wecare.com.
Melissa Robinson: Championing Change in Kansas City’s 3rd District
In Kansas City’s 3rd District, where Community Builders of Kansas City (CBKC) owns multiple properties, progressive leadership and community advocacy shines through the work of Councilwoman Melissa Robinson. Her work is a testament to the power of grassroots activism, a commitment to equity and the transformative impact of dedicated public service.
“Since her election to the city council, Robinson has been a staunch advocate for policies that promote economic development, public safety and social justice,” said Emmet Pierson, Jr., president and CEO of CBKC. “She has been a vocal proponent for our KC Sun Fresh on Linwood, attending meetings with the community and law enforcement to seek solutions for ensuring the store’s future. We view her as an important partner and supporter in our mission to transform communities.”
A second-term councilwoman, Robinson is president of the Black Health Care Coalition and formerly served as president of the Kansas City Public Schools board and director of crisis intervention with the Ad Hoc Group Against Crime. Robinson believes one of the most critical issues Kansas City faces is poverty, which she says leads to crime, violence and despair.
“My vision for the 3rd District is to be a place of hope and prosperity,” said Robinson. “In America, it is impossible to achieve prosperity without an economic base.”
Robinson’s office has led the charge to pass dozens of pieces of legislation that promote equity in city decision making, increase protections for school district funding and create more community oversight to monitor and recommend economic advancement opportunities. She said far too many 3rd District residents are socio-economically challenged and living in conditions comparable to underdeveloped countries, citing illegal dumping as a prime example.
Introduced last year on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, Robinson’s seven-point plan called “Opportunity KC” strives to address economic stability in neighborhoods with the highest levels of poverty.
Robinson’s Opportunity KC agenda includes economic development initiatives such as partnering with the city’s Land Bank to provide an economic base for residents and neighborhoods and maximizing Community Benefits Agreements with financial institutions to increase access to capital for small business and home ownership. Additionally, the agenda includes collaborating with local developers to attract jobs, services and attainable housing.
Education is another key issue for Robinson, whose agenda seeks to ensure public-school systems from K-12 to community and four-year colleges are adequately funded to educate underserved students. Additionally, she plans to collaborate with local trade organizations and workforce development agencies to ensure all high schoolers not entering college have access to living wage employment immediately following high school graduation.
Finally, building and executing a robust blight and trash remediation program with neighborhood oversight, connecting households to broadband and supporting families who are utility burdened are community initiatives Robinson supports in her plan.
“I will continue to strengthen my residents, neighborhoods, businesses and stakeholders within my district,” said Robinson.
“As Kansas City continues to grow and evolve, Robinson continues her collaborative work to pass policies that create tangible opportunities for the areas CBKC serves,” Pierson. “Her vision for the future is aligned with CBKC’s – to bridge economic disparities, transform communities and ensure that every resident of the 3rd District has the opportunity to thrive.”
CBKC Kicks off Summer Fun with Steak Nights, Free Movie Experience and Musical Performance
Summer has arrived and along with it, Community Builders of Kansas City’s (CBKC) lineup of free community events. May 18, 2024, marked its fifth year of hosting a free community movie night in partnership with Starlight Theatre. Featuring the live-action version of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, the night also boasted a variety of family fun for kids of all ages.
“CBKC seeks to strengthen families and communities, so it is our honor to host the summer series of events,” said DaRon McGee, CBKC director of community relations. “Movie night is a particular favorite as it consistently provides an entertaining experience for families to gather and enjoy activities they may not typically be able to access.”
Prior to the movie showing, an estimated 3,000 attendees were able to try various percussion instruments courtesy of the Ethnic Enrichment Festival or get a free book from the Kansas City Public Library. Additionally, Kansas City Parks and Recreation provided hula hooping, jump roping and face painting. Stone Lion Puppets delighted movie goers with a whimsical 6-foot octopus bubble maker that captured everyone’s imagination and dance instructors led group dance.
Also in May, CBKC kicked off weekly Steak Nights at KC Sun Fresh on the Boulevard. Customers can enjoy a freshly cut, hand-seasoned, 10-oz. Kansas City Strip grilled to perfection by trained pit master chefs and served with a baked potato, green beans and roll for only $10. A jazz trio and adult beverages are also available as well as event-only sales on select groceries. Each steak night has seen anywhere from 90 to 180 diners.
In keeping with its goal to broaden access to the arts, CBKC hosted Black Folk, a duo with a unique take on traditional folk music, at Englewood Arts Center in Independence on June 14. Performing before a sold-out audience, Black Folk features Debbie Cole on violin, acoustic guitar and vocals and Charlie Harris on bass, guitar, percussion and vocals.
Black Folk’s music is a fusion of classical, blues, jazz and everything in between. Whether playing a soothing ballad with acoustic guitars or swinging with an electric violin and electric bass guitar, the duo never disappoints. The June 14 performance included original songs as well as folksy covers of artists ranging from Stevie Wonder to Rihanna. Black Folk can be seen around town at venues that feature jazz artists as well as those dedicated largely to traditional folk music. You also can catch them at the 2024 Plaza Art Fair in September.
Stay tuned for more summer (and fall) events from CBKC.
Pierson Appointed by Gov. Parson to Jackson County Sports Complex Authority
On June 5, 2024, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson appointed Community Builders of Kansas City (CBKC) President and CEO Emmet Pierson, Jr., to the Jackson County Sports Complex Authority.
“As a lifelong resident of Jackson County, the appointment is an honor and I look forward to adding new insights into the decision-making process for the stadiums, especially in this crucial moment for the future of the complex,” said Pierson.
It is a temporary appointment since the Missouri Legislature is in recess but will be confirmed in September when it reconvenes. The authority is appointed by the Missouri governor. Its five members must be qualified voters in Missouri and residents of Jackson County and no more than three commissioners can be from one political party. Jackson County legislators submit three names to the governor who then selects a commissioner with recommendation and approval of the Missouri state senate.
In the role, Pierson will help guide the future of the Harry S. Truman Sports Complex in accordance with the authority’s mission. Its purpose is to oversee the upkeep and running of the Harry S. Truman Sports Complex. It makes sure the complex is well managed, so it remains a premiere sports facility nationwide and governs any funding received from the state, county, Kansas City and any other sources.
Arguably its most visible job currently is to assess the suitability of locations, feasibility and design for sports and recreational facilities and acquire, construct, operate and maintain leases for the sports stadiums. With the 40-year, 3/8th-cent sales tax earmarked to help fund stadium projects for the two teams being rejected by voters in April, the stakes for the authority have never been higher.
“It’s an exciting time to be a part of the sports complex authority and I look forward to working collaboratively with city, county state officials and the teams to build a cohesive detailed plan that benefits all parties involved,” said Pierson.
Black Community Fund: Philanthropy in Action
In 1983, the Hall Family Foundation founded the Black Community Fund (BCF). Established with a mission to provide support and leadership to enhance the socio-economic well-being of African-American communities in the Greater Kansas City area, BCF strives to be the foremost thought leader driving positive community change through stewardship, leadership, philanthropy and education.
Having awarded more than $4 million to more than 200 local nonprofit organizations, it is managed by a board of directors and in 2023, BCF added its first full-time executive director, NaTika Rowles. Community Builders of Kansas City (CBKC) President and CEO Emmet Pierson, Jr. was a previous board chair and served on the BCF board for over 12 years.
“The cool thing about this job is that it’s a vehicle for a wide range of impact and change in the Black community,” Rowles said. “There are many things we do, but our main pillars are education, by providing scholarships to promote access to higher education for Black students, grants to nonprofits serving the Black community, convening to provide awareness and discussion of Black issues and mobilizing the Black public to be philanthropic.”
Launched in 2010, BCF’s scholarship program has awarded a total of $1 million dollars to local students. Each scholarship is a minimum of $5,000 and recipients must complete 16 hours of community service. Currently, BCF has funded 218 scholars at 70 different U.S. institutions from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to Ivy Leagues. To mark its 40th anniversary in 2023, the organization awarded 40 scholarships at a gala that featured Soledad O’Brien, award winning journalist, former “Today Show” host and current host of the weekly syndicated political show “Matter of Fact,” as its keynote speaker.
Grant making is another BCF pillar, awarding grants to Black-led, Black-serving nonprofits one or two times a year. During the pandemic, the Black community was hit especially hard, so the organization spontaneously awarded $100,000 without an application process. Grants typically range between $2,500 to $10,000.
“Our third pillar is to be a convener for the community with our biggest event being the Vision Workshop,” said Rowles. “This is something we are proud of because it focuses on Black-led, Black serving nonprofits.”
Focused on capacity building and organizational strength, the all-day workshop equips leaders with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive. It includes a networking luncheon, and the day concludes with guests being allowed to pitch their organization for a BCF grant.
“The other unique thing about this event is that we give participants a $500 stipend for participating since they’re with small organizations that have little to no staff, making it difficult to be away for a day,” explained Rowles.
Three Vision Workshops awarding a total of over $250,000 in grants have occurred since 2022.
BCF convenings expand beyond business topics, seeking to expose the community to various issues, platforms and arts. In December 2023, high school and college students met at the University of Missouri-Kansas City to discuss barriers and needs in continuing education and BCF was able to use data from the session to better serve its scholarship recipients.
BCF was also instrumental in bringing Black Violin, the Grammy-nominated hip hop duo, the Dance Theater of Harlem ballet company and Lawrence Jackson, official White House photographer for former President Barak Obama, to Kansas City. In July for Minority Mental Health month, BCF ran a social media campaign to educate the public on Black male suicide, which is four times the rate of Black females.
BCF’s fifth pillar is mobilizing philanthropy in communities of color. According to a report by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Black households give 25 percent more of their income annually than white households.
“This statistic drives me every day to strive for excellence for this organization,” said Rowles. “I started a ‘Culture of Giving’ podcast that discusses all things Black philanthropy, with conversations that lift up Black voices in hopes that listeners will be inspired to increase their philanthropy in Kansas City and beyond.”
Recent podcast topics have included community development with Dr. Jamee Rodgers of Urban Neighborhood Initiative and affordable housing with Jacqueline Hunter, emergency assistance lead and affordable housing client advocate.
“Anybody can be a philanthropist,” said Rowles. “Whether you give your time, talent or treasure and help a neighbor, stranger or charity, the measure is to just give.”
Black Community Fund is located at 1055 Broadway Blvd., Suite 130, Kansas City, Missouri, 64105. To donate or learn more visit https://www.blackcommunityfund.org/.
CBKC Swings into Pickleball with New Venue; Pro Team
Community Builders of Kansas City (CBKC) plans to remake the former CoCo Key Resort, which it acquired along with the adjacent Adams Mark hotel in 2020, into a best-in-class pickleball destination and home of Eastern Jackson County’s first professional pickleball team. Named SW19 at the Stadium, it will feature eight indoor pickleball courts, a bar, restaurant and VIP rooms. CBKC President and CEO Emmet Pierson, Jr., emphasized that a main goal of the new project is inclusivity and expanding access to underserved markets, not surprising given health and wellness is part of the organization’s strategic plan.
“Right now, there are no pickleball venues in Eastern Jackson County and it was important to me to expand the pickleball community and introduce it to new audiences, especially underserved youth since colleges are starting to offer pickleball scholarships,” said Pierson. “We also want the venue to be available to all levels of talent, from the casual beginner to competitive pro.”
By “we” Pierson refers to SW19 at the Stadium co-owners Daryl Wyatt and Julie Gibson, who own SW19 Tennis and Pickleball in Leawood. Wyatt is a former professional pickleball player and shares Pierson’s desire to introduce the pickleball community to a more diverse audience.
Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America for the third consecutive year with an estimated 50 million Americans partaking, but it is a predominantly white sport. Nearly 70 percent of casual players and over 80 percent of core players are white and only 7.3 percent are Black according to the Sports Fitness Industry Association report.
CBKC, Wyatt and Gibson have joined forces not only for the approximately $4.5 million SW19 at the Stadium project but also to establish an ownership group for the coming pro pickleball team, which will be based there. Together, they co-own the Kansas City Stingers, a team formed following the selection of Kansas City as one of six U.S. expansion markets by the National Pickleball League earlier this year.
After acquiring the CoCo Key Resort property and gutting the interior, Pierson initially entertained a number of options for its future use, but he kept coming back to pickleball and expanding its access to different demographics. After meeting Wyatt, conversations began to develop into a plan for courts at the former CoCo Key property. The development team includes Monarch Build as the general contractor and Helix Architecture + Design as the architect.
What’s next for the former Adam’s Mark property, a 369-room hotel, is in the planning stages but will focus on options that complement SW19 at the Stadium. Mixed-income housing and hospitality operations on select floors are among the ideas currently on the table.
“It’s such a great location, very visible and close to the stadium, and it would be fantastic to have something in place in time for the 2026 World Cup,” Pierson said, noting that financing would be the biggest hurdle for the community development organization.
Regardless, Pierson remains bullish on the pickleball concept and looks forward to expanding its audience and access.