KC-based BoxDevCo Real Estate has officially broken ground on its newest venture, Blume NKC in North Kansas City, Mo. This marks its second vertical mixed-use community in the Kansas City region, following the success of Blume Shawnee, an award-winning development located in Shawnee, Kan.
Situated at the intersection of Burlington and North Oak Trafficway within Northgate Village, Blume NKC is set to become a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly community consisting of 17 lofts, 18 flats, and 23 retail/office spaces. The residential units vary in size, offering studio and one-bedroom flats spanning 431 to 689 SF, and one-, two-, and three-bedroom lofts ranging from 1,404 to 1,979 SF. Commercial spaces within the development range from 431 to 6,620 SF.
Blume NKC represents BoxDevCo's vision to blend the city's rich historical character with evolving modern lifestyle needs. Each vertical mixed-use townhome includes a small retail/office storefront on the ground level, available for separate lease, combination with adjacent commercial areas, or coupling with the residential unit above, ensuring a diverse range of occupancy options. The project aims to welcome its first residents by early 2025, with full completion anticipated by mid-2025.
While the concept of vertical mixed-use townhomes may seem novel to some, BoxDevCo Real Estate drew inspiration from well-established European cities where this design approach has stood the test of time. In these cities, building owners frequently reside above their street-level businesses, resulting in numerous advantages, including significant cost savings. At Blume Shawnee, residents experienced substantial value for their money, with some saving nearly $1,000 per month on rent and parking compared to downtown lofts, all while enjoying twice the living space.
"When you visit places like Paris, Madrid, or even New York, it’s common to see that the baker lives above their bakery or the shopkeeper above their store. In KC, while we have a sprawling region, there's a unique energy in localized areas, such as North Kansas City. There’s a distinct vibrancy when business and residential spaces are intertwined," said Justin Larson, Director of Development Services for BoxDevCo Real Estate.
The historic Palmer House Hotel, constructed in 1887, was known for welcoming visitors to North Kansas City. Blume NKC aspires to carry forward this tradition into a new era. BoxDevCo's choice to establish this project here was informed by extensive research into North Kansas City's development patterns, many of which align with today’s new urbanist principles. The site is situated within the master-planned new-urbanist community of Northgate Village, designed to provide easy access to nearby industries for its residents.
“North Kansas City is a unique, close-knit community with first-class amenities and services. With our diverse mix of residential, industrial, and entertainment spaces, it’s common for people to walk from work to dinner and home. Walkable projects like Blume NKC emphasize the advantages of living and working here,” North Kansas City Mayor Bryant DeLong stated.
BoxDevCo Real Estate has numerous projects throughout the region, encompassing both residential and commercial endeavors, including those at the New Longview master-planned community in Lee’s Summit, Mo. The company exhibits a strong commitment to new urbanist and traditional neighborhood development models.
“There's nothing like the vibrancy of a place where neighbors connect, sidewalks buzz with activity, and the community comes together. We’ve cherished North Kansas City for years, so it’s a tremendous honor to be selected for such an important and influential development,” said Russell Pearson, Director of Development for BoxDevCo Real Estate.
The project team for Blume NKC includes Straub Construction, Clockwork Architects, Olsson, Olsson Studios, Polsinelli and Highline Partners.