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Former State Senator Shalonn “Kiki” Curls Joins Board of Community Builders of Kansas City
In a significant move towards Kansas City East Side empowerment and development, Community Builders of Kansas City (CBKC) has added former Senator Shalonn “Kiki” Curls to its board of directors. With her extensive experience in public service and deep-rooted commitment to strengthening underserved populations, Curls is making a substantial impact in her new role.
“We could not have found a more fitting addition to our board,” said Emmet Pierson, Jr., CBKC president and CEO. “Kiki’s track record of leadership and deep understanding of the challenges facing urban areas make her an invaluable asset to our organization as we continue our mission of strengthening families and transforming communities.”
Curls, a native of Kansas City, has long been a champion for social justice, economic equity and access to quality education and healthcare. Her tenure in the Missouri Senate, where she served from 2011 to 2021, was marked by a tireless dedication to advocating for the needs of her constituents and addressing systemic issues facing marginalized communities.
One of Sen. Curls’ biggest accomplishments to date is securing funding for the University of Missouri-Kansas City Center for Neighborhoods, a one-stop location designed to meet the critical needs of Kansas City’s neighborhoods through technical assistance, capacity building, neighborhood planning and design services, legal aid and organizational assistance.
She is currently deputy director for the Heavy Constructors Association (HCA) of Greater Kansas City, which advocates for higher levels of funding for safer highways, roads, bridges and water treatment facilities across the region. Additionally, she has joined the Local Investment Commission (LINC) in overseeing the work of Caring Communities in support of children, families and neighborhoods.
As a member of CBKC’s board of directors, Curls brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. Her insights into legislative processes, community engagement strategies and coalition building contribute to the organization’s efforts to create positive change in Kansas City.
Curls’ ability to bridge divides has been instrumental in bringing together stakeholders from diverse backgrounds to work towards CBKC’s goals. By leveraging her extensive network and her passion for advocacy, she is amplifying the impact of the organization to drive meaningful progress in addressing the root causes of inequality and poverty.
In accepting this new role, Curls further extends her dedication to serving and advancing the common good for the East Side.
“I believe in the mission of CBKC and have enthusiastically supported the organization since its inception,” said Curls. “It is my honor to contribute to its efforts to create a more just and equitable society.”
Curls’ vision, expertise and unwavering commitment to service will play a pivotal role in shaping a brighter future for the residents CBKC serves.
Pierson Speaks at ULI’s The Great Reset – 2024 Emerging Trends in Real Estate Event
Urban Land Institute (ULI) Kansas City and the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce teamed up to present The Great Reset — 2024 Emerging Trends in Real Estate in February. The special event brought together industry leaders and experts to discuss national, regional and local trends in real estate. Already ULI’s most popular event, Katherine Carttar, executive director of ULI Kansas City, wanted to make this year’s event even bigger.
One of the new additions to the agenda was a fireside chat titled “Capital Markets: How to Structure a Deal.” It was a more casual discussion focused on local perspectives, and Carttar wanted a variety of real estate asset types and geographical areas included which is why she approached Emmet Pierson, Jr., president and CEO of CBKC.
“Emmet was the perfect person for this panel and one of the first people I thought of because of the range of his experience with different types of assets,” said Carttar. “CBKC is unique in that its portfolio includes residential, commercial and grocery stores. Plus it’s all on the East Side and we wanted to represent all the geographic areas, not just downtown and The Plaza,” Carttar said.
Carttar said Pierson was a crowd favorite and that she received feedback from attendees saying he elevated the conversation.
“Emmet has a down-to-earth, straightforward approach and it appealed to the audience,” said Carttar. “He didn’t hold back when explaining the challenges of East Side development. He told the bankers in room, ‘we need your help’ and it took the conversation to a deeper, more authentic level.”
This year’s event was titled “The Great Reset” and focused on the new realities in the post-pandemic era. The landscape of commercial real estate continues to evolve and with the new normal, the industry faces significant shifts, not only in office spaces but across the entire real estate spectrum. The event discussed how to navigate the changes, redefine strategies and mitigate potential losses in this new era of commercial real estate.
“Before Covid development in Kansas City was on fire,” she said. “Then after Covid everything was up in air and unprecedented. Now, in 2024, the industry has stabilized but it’s a completely different environment in which construction costs and interest rates are high and present long-term challenges.”
Now in its sixth year, Carttar reported that with 160 attendees this year’s event was the largest to date.
In Another First for East Side, CBKC Amps Up Plans for EV Charging Stations at Three Locations
Imagine you are driving in Kansas City’s East Side area and need to charge your electric vehicle (EV). You are out of luck. Currently there is not a single EV charging station in the area, and Community Builders of Kansas City (CBKC) wants that to change. The organization is in talks with Kansas City-based engineering and construction firm Burns & McDonnell to add charging stations to a number of locations that serve its constituents.
“It’s about access, leveling the playing field and providing amenities to our communities that other areas of the city already have,” said Emmet Pierson, Jr., president and CEO of CBKC.
Pierson met Kisa Caruthers, senior electrical engineer, and project manager for Burns & McDonnell, at an event in 2020 but it was not until November 2022 on a similar occasion that the conversation turned to electric vehicles.
“Emmet wanted to learn more about EV charging stations, as he had an interest in bringing them to the East Side community,” explained Caruthers. “After that conversation, there was further discussion with our Transportation Electrification team to learn about our expertise in electrification and our commitment to green energy accessibility. We then began to develop a conceptual design for EV charging stations that would serve the needs of the community.”
Burns & McDonnell’s conceptual designs would provide access for public, fast-charging sites for three CBKC locations. One is planned for the Offices at Overlook District, the mixed-use development now underway that is comprised of Class A office space, mixed-use property and multi-family units at the corner of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and Chestnut Ave. The plans for this site include an innovative canopy covering with colored panels that reflect and refract light giving it a kaleidoscope effect as shown in the photo.
Another charging site would be positioned at the CBKC headquarters at 4001 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. and a third would sit at the north end of the Sun Fresh Grocery Store parking lot. All the sites would serve residents, customers, and employees of their respective locations as well as drivers along the corridor and traffic traveling on 71 Hwy. and Interstate 435 who need to plug in.
Electric vehicle adoption in the United States has soared in recent years with the increasing availability of affordable models. Since 2020, sales have increased 188 percent; 60 percent over last year alone, from 1 million to 1.6 million electric cars sold according to Market Watch. With lower costs comes greater accessibility, and Pierson wants his community to be prepared.
“At this point, plans are conceptual, and funding would need to be addressed before we could advance to the design and construction stage,” said Pierson, “but we are optimistic and enthusiastic about bringing EV charging stations to our community with Burns & McDonnell as our partner,” said Pierson.
The Cleveland Remodel Celebrated with Ribbon Cutting
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.”
CBKC Partners with Building Energy Exchange Kansas City on Green Development
It may surprise you to know that 63 percent of greenhouse emissions in the Kansas City region come from buildings. Community Builders of Kansas City is working with Building Energy Exchange Kansas City (BE-Ex KC), a joint effort by Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) and Climate Action KC, on a range of initiatives to help the region achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
“This is the first time there has been a dedicated focus on educating stakeholders and implementing efforts for net-zero emissions on The East Side and CBKC is excited to once again serve as a pioneer for the community,” said Emmet Pierson, Jr., CBKC president and CEO.
BE-Ex KC Executive Director Ashley Sadowski approached Pierson to explore working with nonprofits and community developers to upgrade existing housing stock using The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 and other available green funding. Upgrades to existing properties include more energy efficient windows and appliances, adding insulation and applying solar panels.
“CBKC’s extensive portfolio of affordable housing and commercial properties offer an exceptional opportunity to pilot high performance, low carbon technologies and showcase what can be done,” said Sadowski. “Not only do these upgrades increase the longevity of these buildings but can also lower energy costs and increase health outcomes for East Side residents and tenants.”
BE-Ex KC is currently seeking funding for a “community classroom” which would gather local community development corporations, community leaders and non-profits together to organize around the several billion dollars of federal funding dedicated to upgrading buildings in underserved communities.
“The unprecedented level of federal funding could be an amazing community development opportunity for Kansas City if neighborhood organizations are equipped with the capacity and knowledge necessary to tap into these dollars,” said Sadowski. “With the extensive development expertise of Emmet’s team, we think CBKC would be a perfect organization to take a leadership role in this initiative.”
BE-Ex KC was created in 2021 with a mission to engage and educate development stakeholders on how to construct high-performance buildings, fill financing gaps and support the region in meeting its climate goals. In partnership with over 150 elected leaders and 1,000 volunteers, Climate Action KC and MARC developed a Regional Climate Action Plan that presents a comprehensive strategy to achieve three timelines for achieving net-zero: 2035 for all municipal government activities, 2040 for all buildings (2030 for all new buildings) and 2050 economy-wide.
BE-Ex KC initiatives include the Rising Trades Contractor Accelerator, a curated business program designed to support diverse entrepreneurs in green construction and the high-performance buildings industry. Through customized coaching, strategic pairings with professional service providers and mentors and practical education, it provides business counsel and connections to accelerate Black, Indigenous and People of Color as leaders of sustainable construction.
Other BE-Ex KC initiatives are working with local and national capital providers to leverage federal funding for communities that have been historically undercapitalized and collaborating with global organizations to replicate successes from experts around the world.
Massive Bee Mural Swarms Overlook District; Holiday Happenings
Dozens of adult and kid volunteers came together on November 11, 2023, to participate in Community Builders of Kansas City’s Fourth Annual Turkey Giveaway. Hosted at the Macedonia Baptist Church at 1700 East Linwood Boulevard, CBKC donated about 650 turkeys to area residents who also received Harvesters-donated meal kits containing Thanksgiving fixings as well as toiletries which included the warm and comfy Bombas socks.
CBKC was pleased to welcome Missouri State Senator Shalonn “Kiki” Curls as well as 4th District Representative and Chairman of the Jackson County Legislature, DaRon McGee, to the event. In addition to Harvesters – The Community Food Network, other community partners for the Turkey Giveaway included Catholic Charities of Kansas City-St. Joseph, Jackson County and Total Man Community Development Corporation.
“Like most worthwhile community initiatives, it takes a village, and we are beyond grateful to these faithful partners who help make this outreach a success,” said Emmet Pierson, Jr., CBKC president and CEO.
In mid-December, CBKC hosted The Soul of Santa Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony for the third year at The Shops on Blue Parkway. This inclusive, family-focused holiday event welcomed those from our underserved communities to a full day of fun including:
- The Christmas Tree lighting ceremony,
- Giveaways of cars and scholarships,
- A jam-packed Blue Parkway Breakfast the following morning with Santa letter-writing, book readings and a special Christmas gift just for the little ones.
Our thanks to The Soul of Santa for bringing its wonderful holiday event to the CBKC campus. It was a blast!
Another buzzy happening occurred at the Overlook District development. Jonathan Lyman, a 2010 Kansas City Art Institute graduate, took his interest in using art to develop communities to MO Hives KC. He did a small commission for that dynamic organization which got the attention of MO Hives fan, CBKC.
“I had been working for the non-profit, My Region Wins, founded by Carl Stafford, as vision designer,” said Lyman. “Somehow Marion (Dr. Marion Pierson, pediatrician and MO Hives president) heard I was doing art for Carl and asked if I would paint bees at its 50th & Wabash apiary.”
Admiring Lyman’s work for MO Hives, CBKC invited Lyman to create a bee mural installation at the Overlook District development. He completed it in early November, drawing the compliments of passersby.
Lyman said he has a desire to connect with not-for-profits that have within their mission capturing what it looks like to live in harmony with nature. The walking trail and landscaping planned for the Overlook District will go far to integrate nature into the development when it is completed. For now, the bees are watching and waiting.
We are excited about what is ahead. We are grateful for the support received for all that was accomplished in 2023 and wish you every good thing for 2024.