KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Five projects under construction right now are bringing big changes to the North Plaza neighborhood of Kansas City, Missouri. Neighborhood leaders are cautiously optimistic about the developments, which range from an office building to townhomes.
Concerns include increased car traffic and the challenge on maintaining a sense of community with new styles of building and an influx of renters.
On the plus side, developers are rebuilding crumbled sidewalks and property values will rise. Some see development as a sign of progress.
The area's popularity is due to timing and walkability. The neighborhood's proximity to both Westport and the Country Club Plaza make it appealing to buyers who want to live in the city. And developers feel like they can now make money by investing in projects there.
"North Plaza is an area that has not been developed I would say for many years," said Sara Benson, a realtor with ReeceNichols. "We are at the beginning of the transformation of this area. From the Plaza all the way to Westport, in the next several years, we're going to see a huge transformation."
Benson is part of the team selling The Tudors, the first major project completed in the area. The project includes 16 townhomes between 45th and 46th streets on Summit Street.
According to Benson, 11 units are still available. They range from roughly $800,000 to $1.2 million and cover between 3,200 and 4,500 square feet. Each unit features outdoor space on all three living floors.
The townhomes are customizable. Buyers can choose to install an elevator, how to use a loft space on the top floor, and choose between several flooring and fixture options.
Here are other projects currently under construction in the area:
- 46 Penn Centre: a high-rise office building at 46th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue slated to open in July 2020.
- 4400 Washington: a luxury apartment complex at 44th and Washington streets.
- The Dorset Apartments: a complex designed for residents over the age of 55 at the northeast corner of 46th and Summit streets.
- Plaza Heights: 30 single family homes on Corbin Terrace, 44th Terrace and 45th Street between Summit and Jefferson streets. The Saint Luke's Foundation, an arm of the hospital in the neighborhood, is behind this development. One realtor estimates these homes will sell for a minimum of $500,000.
- Legacy Crown Point: a tonwhouse at 4505 Summit Street, which may have changed names.
