CBKC plans $12.6 million multifamily project on Blue Parkway corridor

Community Builders of Kansas City (CBKC), the area’s largest urban core developer, recently announced plans for a $12.6 million multifamily development east of Prospect Ave. in Kansas City, Mo.

The Rochester on Blue Parkway is one of the first projects announced in a Kansas City-area Opportunity Zone. The 81,400 SF, four-story complex will house 64 residential units.

“The Rochester brings a residential option to this corridor that does not now exist,” said Emmet Pierson, Jr., president and CEO of CBKC.

“The Rochester adds another dynamic element to CBKC’s Blue Parkway campus that already includes more than 430,000 SF of diversified office, retail and service providers. This residential development marks the first of a number of projects CBKC has planned along the Blue Parkway corridor and throughout the east side,” Pierson, Jr. said.

CBKC announced last year that its 69,000 SF office building at 4001 Blue Parkway was 100 percent occupied. With tenants such as Legal Aid and the Mid-America Assistance Coalition, the three-story property has become a convenient services resource for the community.

“CBKC is changing the landscape of Kansas City’s east side with meaningful projects that matter to the community,” said former Missouri Sen. Shalonn “Kiki” Curls.

“CBKC has proven it gets quality projects in challenging geographies done. We are excited to see this asset added to our community and know we can expect news of other development to come," Curls said.

The Rochester on Blue Parkway will feature in-demand finishes and amenities including stainless steel appliances, solid-surface countertops, in-unit washer and dryer, an indoor/outdoor rooftop deck, fitness center, package pick-up room, community meeting space as well as landscaped front and back yard spaces furnished for grilling and gathering around the fire pit.

Rates will be in the range of $985 to $1,275 for the one-bedroom/one bath, one-bedroom plus den/one bath and two-bedroom/two-bathroom units. There also will be a penthouse two-bedroom executive suite.

Founded in 1991, CBKC is responsible for revitalizing the Blue Parkway area by developing commercial projects such as The 4001 Blue Parkway Office Building and the Swope Health Services Campus and residential projects like Mt. Cleveland Heights and Townhomes. The effort brought affordable housing, retail development, commercial offices and countless social services to a formerly blighted area.

The property was named after R. (Rochester) Charles (Chuck) Gatson, the visionary founder of CBKC who grew up east of Troost and invested his career in service to the education, training and capacity building of individuals and communities in need. Gatson received numerous leadership recognitions including the James A. Johnson Fellowship from the Fannie Mae Foundation, awarded to leaders in affordable housing and community development.

“Straub Construction is appreciative to partner with CBKC in the project to honor a long-time visionary and client, Chuck Gatson. His significant impact on the community continues today,” said Parker Young, president of Straub Construction, the project’s general contractor.

CBKC currently has more than $80 million in real estate assets, from downtown to 63rd Street, under management.

Other project partners include project designer Hufft, Artin LLC, Custom Engineering, FSC,Inc., Land3 Studio and Taliaferro & Browne. CBKC is working with several partners to finalize the project’s capital funding.

Construction is expected to begin in Q4 2020 with an anticipated completion date of approximately one year later.

Meridian at View High luxury apartments celebrate grand opening

Meridian at View High, a luxury-apartment complex located at 201 NW Kessler Dr. in Lee's Summit, Mo., is complete and plans to celebrate with a grand opening event next week.

Construction began in 2018 on the 312-unit complex developed by Cityscape Residential, an Indianapolis-based firm who has developed several multifamily projects in the Kansas City area, including Summit & Apex on Quality Hill, Crossroads Westside, Residence at Prairie Fire and Greenwood Reserve.

The pet-friendly apartment community offers one, two and three-bedroom floor plans as well as numerous amenities; including free weights and group exercise, massage room and light therapy room, theater room, TV lounge, clubhouse, sundeck, bike storage, car wash, pool, off-leash pet park and a 24-hour fitness center.

"We are extremely excited about the opening of Meridian at View High. This amenity-rich community is perfectly situated with walkability to retail, proximity to golf, hiking and Longview Lake as well as Greater Kansas City via tremendous highway access. Meridian is the first piece of The Village at View High Lifestyle Center and extension of The New Longview commercial district, which we are proud to be associated with," Ryan Adams, vice president of Cityscape Residential, said.   

CityScape is also working on ELEVATE 114, a multifamily project in downtown Lee’s Summit. The complex includes 273 apartments at the corner of Second and Douglas streets. The $52 million project will integrate the 100-year-old sanctuary of the former United Methodist Church on the block into its design.  

Construction on ELEVATE 114 began last week with an anticipated tenant move-in date of June 2021.

The Meridian at View High grand opening event is scheduled for March 11, 2020, from 3-5pm.

Copaken Brooks adds The Walnuts, Plaza Pavilion to condo portfolio

Copaken Brooks is expanding its condominium management footprint in Kansas City. The firm will begin management for The Walnuts at 5049 Wornall Road and the Plaza Pavilion at 4949 Wornall Road, adding a total of nearly 300,000 SF to the current 1.3 million SF of the firm’s growing Class-A condo portfolio.

Just south of the Country Club Plaza stand The Walnuts - a 53-unit, 210,000 SF luxury condominium complex set in historic brick and stone, Jacobean-style buildings.

Around the corner from The Walnuts sits Plaza Pavilion, a five-story, 87,000 SF mid-rise community built in 2000 that houses 50 units, ranging from studios to four-bedroom layouts.

“Our city continues to grow, and with it, (so does) the multifamily market. Our premier condo management team is prepared to advise building owners, condo associations and boards on the best strategies to maximize their value while delivering consistent, high-quality service,” said Mark Thomas, senior vice president of asset and property management at Copaken Brooks.

The Walnuts and Plaza Pavilion join a growing list of condominiums managed by Copaken, including Western Auto Lofts, San Francisco Tower, Wallstreet Tower, Union Carbide Condominiums and One Park Place.

Luxurious Copper Ridge Apartments debut in the Northland

Lenexa-based general contractor Neighbors Construction Company, Inc. recently announced the completion of Copper Ridge Apartments, a luxury multifamily construction project in Liberty, MO.

Located adjacent to the expanding 291 Highway retail and entertainment corridor, the new apartment community is fulfilling market demand for high-quality housing in the booming area.

The 394,475 SF project features 292 units in six buildings, plus one central community clubhouse.

Constructed on a sloping hillside, the clubhouse makes a dramatic statement with an infinity-edge salt water pool and an outdoor terrace, compete with a custom grilling station. Clubhouse amenities include a fitness center, theater lounge, pub room, business center, massage therapy room, community kitchen and social hall gathering space.

NSPJ Architects provided design and architecture services for the community and its luxury units, which feature granite countertops, stainless appliances, wood plank flooring, brushed nickel fixtures, contemporary two-tone paint colors, and large windows which bring in abundant natural light.

Many units feature peaceful tree-lined views; others feature “infinity views” of the downtown KCMO skyline.

Project stakeholders include local developer NorthPoint Development in conjunction with GFI Development Company on behalf of New York-based GFI Capital Resources, Inc.

“Neighbors Construction Company did a magnificent job bringing to life an NSPJ Architects-designed multi-family community. We are excited to be one of the newest members of the Liberty community that has such deep roots,” said Andy Ashwal, GFI vice president and senior asset manager.

Ryan Neighbors, vice president at Neighbors Construction, credits the construction “team approach” for the success of the project, which was delivered two months earlier than anticipated despite several challenges including a nearly 50-foot elevation change from one end of the site to the other with a public street right-of-way crossing through the site and an 18% slope on the road leading into the community.

“We were thrilled to complete the community clubhouse and amenities earlier than promised. It is always our goal,” said Neighbors.

“Copper Ridge Apartments was developed for the modern renter who is more sophisticated and savvier than ever before,” said Kimi Medler, Copper Ridge property manager .

“From millennials to empty nesters, our residents are seeking more than a living space, but an entire lifestyle complete with luxury amenities and care-free living.  Together we have created an incredible sense of community, and our residents are consistently commenting on the incredible staff and experiences at Copper Ridge,” Medler added.

Since opening in July 2018, Copper Ridge has averaged 22 move-ins a month. Leasing remains strong with the development reaching stabilization in one year. Additional inquiries can be made through www.CopperRidgeKC.com.

View completed project photography and a progression of construction images on Neighbors Construction's website at http://www.neighborsconstruction.com/copper-ridge-apartments.

New hotel+apartment concept opens in Overland Park

Hospitality industry legend Jack DeBoer, founder of Residence Inn, Summerfield Suites and Candlewood Suites, has brought his new concept to the Kansas City area, the first of its kind in the market.

Oakwood WaterWalk is a collaboration between DeBoer’s WaterWalk, a unique development concept in the travel industry that combines the space and comfort of apartment living with the services of a hotel, and Oakwood, the premier global provider of furnished housing and serviced apartment solutions.

The gated community, located at 11200 Glenwood St. in Overland Park, Kansas, consists of two separate, four-story buildings - one with 78 all-inclusive unfurnished apartments and one with 75 furnished corporate units. Both have access to a full-range of amenities, including 24/7 onsite staff to take care of anything the guests may need.

With one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, business and individual travelers can book short- and long-term stays and choose from furnished or unfurnished suites.

“In researching emerging markets across the United States, we identified Overland Park as a top priority for growth and development. It’s an exceptional residential neighborhood with a need for more long-term accommodation options, but we also saw an opportunity to expand our short-term housing solutions in a high-traffic, business-dense area. With Oakwood WaterWalk, we can provide both,”said Mimi Rogers, WaterWalk president.

Oakwood WaterWalk pricing includes all utilities, high-speed internet, DirecTV cable television, and phone service for nightly or monthly rates. All guests can also enjoy an on-site fitness center, 24/7 front desk service, and full-size appliances (including in-room washer and dryer) while furnished corporate (Gold) units include a fully-equipped modern kitchen, breakfast delivery and housekeeping.

“Since we announced our strategic partnership, we’ve already seen a significant spike in interest from Oakwood customers and guests, as well as inquiring investors and franchisees,” said Mandeep Singh, Oakwood chief operating officer.

“The Oakwood WaterWalk model fully satisfies the wide spectrum of needs across the extended stay, multifamily and corporate housing segments, and investors are satisfied with the return on investment that is significantly above the hotel industry average – with much lower operating costs as well.,” Singh said.

The surrounding neighborhood includes a mixture of retail, restaurant, lodging, and office and provides easy access to arterial and freeway corridors for accessibility throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area.

“WaterWalk is headquartered in Wichita, and we’re proud to continue investing in and expanding across Kansas. It’s an exciting time for our company. We’ve opened six new locations in key markets across Kansas, Texas and Colorado, and we have a strong development pipeline,” said Rogers.

Oakwood, wholly owned by Mapletree Investments, celebrated the grand opening of its newest Oakwood WaterWalk property yesterday.

Wichita-based JACO Construction served as the contractor for the project; LK Architecture as architect; and WaterWalk RE Development Services LLC as the developer.