MWM KC Multifamily Summit Recap

The Kansas City multifamily market is evolving fast, and the recent panel hosted by Capitol Federal brought together some of the region's top voices to share insight, strategy, and predictions for the sector's future. Alex Goodpaster, Senior Commercial Lender at Capitol Federal, was the trusted moderator who led the conversation with key players in the industry including:

• Austin Bradley, Development Partner, EPC Real Estate Group

• Theresa Sipe Curtis of NSPJ Architects

• Devon Coffey of Milhaus

• Alex Goodpaster, Commercial Lender, Capitol Federal

• Mike Langford, President, Ronco Construction

• Scott Rosemann, Principal, Rosemann & Associates

The panel opened with optimism about the strength of the KC market. Despite national uncertainty, Kansas City continues to lead the Midwest in rent growth and occupancy. With fewer new deliveries in the pipeline, many expect demand to remain strong in the coming year. The market’s mix of affordability, quality of life, and increasing institutional investment keeps it on the radar for developers and investors alike.

Suburban markets have taken the spotlight in recent years due to construction cost advantages and land availability, although downtown continues to draw interest with major projects like the new soccer stadium and Panasonic plant. Panelists noted that the key to success lies in flexibility—both in design and financing. Creating spaces with adaptable amenities and building strong public-private partnerships will be critical to meeting future demand.

Another strong theme: people-first design.

Tenants are seeking resort-style amenities, smart tech integrations, and spaces that foster community. Panelists highlighted a shift in consumer behavior where renters are willing to pay more for thoughtful features like dens, concierge services, and communal areas.

Looking ahead, the panel addressed challenges such as new building code changes, rising costs, and shifts in investor expectations. Collaboration with municipalities, nonprofit partnerships, and creative planning were discussed as strategies to address housing affordability and workforce housing needs.

The panel wrapped with a lively Q&A, prizes, and a trivia challenge forecasting a projected rent increase of 4% in 2025-2026 — another sign that KC's multifamily market remains one to watch.

Mission Flats: Downtown Living with Style in JOCO

Big things are happening in downtown Mission, and they come in boutique-sized packages. Mission Flats, this ownership group’s first new-build project in KC, is bringing sleek design and walkable charm to one of Johnson County’s most connected neighborhoods.

Located just off Johnson Drive and Nall Avenue, this 89,795-square-foot multifamily development includes two buildings with 77 modern units—ranging from studios to two-bedrooms—plus two ADA-accessible residences and 25 attached garages. Designed by Klover Architects, the buildings blend thin brick and cementitious siding for a crisp, contemporary feel.

“This is our team's first ground-up build with Klover and Mission Flats, LLC, and we're proud to bring this new project into such a well-established neighborhood," said Travis Lavender, project manager for Neighbors Construction Co, Inc., the project's general contractor. "The site has pretty substantial grade changes, which presented some challenges getting out of the ground, but we've worked hand-in-hand with Klover to overcome those issues and now the buildings are really coming along. The City of Mission, and Johnson Drive in particular, are very dynamic areas that are always changing and improving, and we're excited to be a part of those improvements."

Inside, residents will enjoy upscale finishes like white shaker cabinets, granite countertops, stainless appliances, tiled showers, luxury vinyl plank flooring, and chic lighting. Shared amenities include a clubroom, fitness center, coffee bar, and concierge-style leasing office.

The first phase is expected to turn over in November 2025 with full completion by December.

“We’ve been deeply invested in downtown Mission, Kansas, and proudly serving its residents for nearly two decades. Our team is thrilled to bring this new project to life and expand the opportunity to serve even more members of the community through our in-house property management team, At Home Apartments of Kansas City,” says Justin Miller, Managing Partner. “Mission Flats will offer residents upscale apartment living, complemented by our high-quality management service and convenient walkability to all that downtown Mission has to offer. We’re honored to be part of Mission’s continued growth and look forward to contributing to the city’s bright future through further development.”

Steps away from bars, boutiques, restaurants, and breweries, Mission Flats offers the convenience of city life with suburban ease, and a whole lot of personality to match.

Gardner Gets Growing

Big things are taking shape in Gardner as Brinkmann Constructors, Panattoni Development Company, and Cushman & Wakefield break ground on the first phase of Crossroads Commerce Center — a massive new industrial park set to make waves in Johnson County’s booming logistics corridor.

The 467,000-square-foot, concrete tilt-up warehouse will rise on a 24-acre site, serving as the first of eight buildings planned for the master-planned development. Designed to meet the region’s growing demand for Class A distribution space, the facility brings modern functionality, scalable infrastructure, and strategic positioning to one of the metro’s fastest-growing areas.

“Our team is very excited to begin construction on our first building at Crossroads Commerce Center. This project is our firm’s first in the Kansas City market and we recognize it as an important opportunity to put our best foot forward," says Nick Cook, Development Manager at Panattoni.

The initial scope also includes extensive mass grading and new drainage and water retention systems — critical components that will support the future buildout of the entire park.

Gray Design Group is serving as the project architect, bringing a streamlined, tenant-flexible design that blends efficiency with long-term adaptability.

Crossroads Commerce Center is expected to attract tenants across manufacturing, distribution, and logistics sectors — all looking for a modern home in the heart of the Midwest.

Grayson’s Big Swing at 18th & Vine

A powerful new chapter is unfolding at 18th & Vine. Grayson Capital has announced plans to develop a 132-key Tribute Portfolio Hotel in partnership with Marriott International. Set adjacent to the new 30,000-square-foot Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, the project marks the first majority Black-owned hotel in Kansas City in decades.

Led by Grayson Capital CEO Michael Collins, the hotel aims to be more than just a place to stay. “Our goal is to create more than a hotel — this is a cultural destination,” said Collins. “We are building something that reflects the legacy of the Negro Leagues and the vibrancy of the 18th & Vine District.”

The hotel will feature “Reuben and Ella’s,” an upscale restaurant honoring the legacy of the Street Hotel, the city’s last Black-owned hotel. A rooftop bar will offer panoramic views of Downtown, and curated cultural experiences will connect guests with the city’s storied past.

“This project is a powerful extension of our mission to celebrate the history and heroes of the Negro Leagues,” said Bob Kendrick, President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. “It will offer our visitors a new and immersive way to experience the legacy of Black baseball.”

The Tribute Portfolio brand, part of Marriott Bonvoy®, is known for its boutique character and local storytelling, offering guests an authentic connection to each location.

Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas praised the development, calling it “a historic step forward for the 18th and Vine District.”

Construction is expected to begin following completion of the design phase.

KC Streetcar Riverfront Extension

Construction continues on the KC Streetcar Riverfront Extension, a 0.7-mile addition that will connect the Downtown Main Street starter-line to the Berkley Riverfront, enhancing accessibility and catalyzing future development along the riverfront corridor.

The extension begins at 3rd Street and Grand Boulevard in the River Market, crosses the Grand Boulevard Bridge, and ends near the midpoint of Berkley Riverfront. The project aims to provide seamless transit between downtown and the burgeoning mixed-use district, while also improving multi-modal infrastructure.

Next week’s construction activity will focus on sidewalk, curb, and roadway work along 2nd Street.

A portion of the street will remain closed, and traffic adjustments will affect drivers in the area. Northbound traffic on Grand Boulevard will not be able to turn left onto westbound 2nd Street, while eastbound traffic on 2nd Street will not have access to Grand. Motorists are encouraged to use 3rd Street for alternate access.

Work will also continue on the future two-way cycle track along Grand Boulevard between 2nd and 3rd Streets—supporting enhanced bike and pedestrian connectivity. Crews are grading and placing rock at the new Traction Power Substation (TPSS) beneath the bridge and installing brackets on the Overhead Catenary System (OCS) poles.

Sidewalk improvements are also ongoing throughout the Berkley Riverfront area, reflecting the city’s broader vision for a connected, walkable waterfront.

Once complete, the extension is expected to bolster access to residential, recreational, and commercial destinations at the riverfront and reinforce downtown’s position as a multimodal transit hub.

The KC Streetcar Riverfront Extension is a key component of Kansas City’s ongoing infrastructure and mobility investment strategy, drawing interest from real estate developers and civic leaders alike.