Here’s how five urban renewal projects could transform blighted areas across KCMO

A new film studio incubator coming to Troost Avenue. The evolution of the former Marlborough Elementary School. Adapting a towering, historic downtown building for modern needs.

This series of revitalization projects involving blighted properties heralds a new era of growth and prosperity for Kansas City, said Dan Moye, noting each newly funded urban renewal initiative embodies a commitment to transforming neglected spaces, fostering economic opportunity, and promoting community development.

Steven Anthony, Tracey Lewis, and Dan Moye, EDCKC, at the Google announcement event in March 2024; photo courtesy of the EDCKC

“We’re thrilled to see the future impact each of these efforts will have, from job creation to new housing opportunities,” said Moye, vice president of land development for the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City (EDCKC).

Five urban renewal projects recently were approved for financial support, via tax abatements, from the EDCKC’s Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority, which has served as the city of KCMO’s urban renewal agency since 1951. Authorized by Missouri state statutes, the LCRA encourages redevelopment through the removal of blight and blighting conditions within designated Urban Renewal Areas (URA) and has leveraged millions of dollars of investment in Kansas City.

Each of the just approved projects — which together are expected to cost nearly $36 million to complete — is required to meet LCRA’s participation goals for minority- and women-owned businesses, as well as adhere to an established reporting process as part of the tax abatement approval. 

Another top priority: enhance the overall vibrancy of the city, Moye said.

4451 Troost Ave.; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

Within the Troost Paseo Urban Renewal Area, for example, one of the five projects involves Rockhill Studios, LLC’s $850,000 investment — led by Jeff Becker — in the renovation of a vacant commercial building at 4451 Troost Ave.

“Once home to the Kansas City Electrical Supply Company, this 14,000-square-foot building will undergo a transformation into film studio incubator spaces,” Moye detailed. “With Kansas City’s film industry on the rise, these spaces will cater to the needs of filmmakers, offering services and equipment vital for their craft.”

In addition to the film studio incubator, other projects set to “breathe new life” into neglected areas include:

Marlborough Elementary School; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

Marlborough Elementary School 

In the heart of the East Kansas City Urban Renewal Area, the Kansas City Community Land Trust (KCCLT) is leading the charge with a $6.3 million endeavor to renovate the former Marlborough Elementary School.

This multi-phase project aims to repurpose the three-story building into a versatile space for commercial and community use, providing much-needed support for local entrepreneurs and organizations.

3645 Troost Ave.; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

Revitalized Troost office building

Located on the northeastern corner of E. 37th Street and Troost Avenue, an aging commercial office building stands largely vacant, awaiting transformation. With a budget of $735,000, the project spearheaded by 36 Troost, LLC, with affiliations to property owner Mila Geisler, involves acquiring and renovating the structure into two to three apartments and two ground-floor commercial spaces at 3645 Troost Ave.

929 Walnut St.; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

929 Walnut St.; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

New use for historic downtown building

Exact 929, LLC is embarking on an $11.1 million historic rehabilitation project at 929 Walnut Street within the city’s Central Business District.

Once an eight-story commercial building, the landmark structure at 929 Walnut Street will soon be transformed into 57 apartments and ground-floor retail/restaurant space, preserving its architectural heritage while addressing the city’s housing needs.

Additionally, the development team has committed to working with the Kansas City Public School District to provide a discount to district employees.

The developer intends to maintain the presence of existing tenant Spokes Coffee, Moye said.

St. Michael’s Veterans Center- Phase 3

St. Michael’s Veterans Center: Phase 3 

Located at 5100 Leeds Trafficway, St. Michael’s Veterans Center (SMVC) works to end homelessness among veterans in Kansas City. 

Fifty-eight apartment homes were opened in 2014, 59 homes opened in 2016, and this third phase of the SMVC campus plan includes adding 62 more units of affordable housing for veterans supported by an allocation from the Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) and tax abatement from the LCRA.