On December 2, 2024, city officials, community leaders, and project partners gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of The Refinery, a 16-story transformative mixed-use development in the heart of Kansas City's Crossroads Arts District. Situated along the KC Streetcar line, The Refinery is set to revitalize downtown living with modern residences, affordable housing and vibrant retail space.
Above: Jon Copaken addresses attendees at the groundbreaking for The Refinery, a mixed-use project located at 1818 Main St. in KC's Crossroads. Image credit: Copaken Brooks
Spearheaded by Copaken Brooks, designed by Generator Studio, and built by Centric, the project replaces a long-vacant structure with a contemporary urban centerpiece.
The Refinery will feature 147 residential units, including 54 studios, 87 one-bedroom, and six two-bedroom apartments. In addition to its residential offerings, the development includes 1,000 SF of ground-level commercial space designed to enhance downtown KC's retail and community amenities.
In a move to address housing inclusivity, 10 percent of the residential units will be designated as affordable housing for households earning up to 60 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI).
Residents will also enjoy a variety of modern amenities, including:
A four-level parking garage with 113 spaces
A rooftop deck with a pool and barbecue stations
Stylish tenant lounges aimed at fostering a sense of community
Immediate access to the KC Streetcar for seamless urban mobility
The Refinery exemplifies the power of public-private partnerships, with funding from Port KC and Enterprise Bank & Trust.
“At Copaken Brooks, we are passionate about creating spaces that leave a lasting impact on our community. With the support of Generator, Centric, Port KC, and Enterprise Bank, The Refinery will be a symbol of progress, connectivity, and the power of collaboration in Kansas City,” said Jon Copaken, Principal at Copaken Brooks.
Feature image/rendering credit: Generator Studio