Here’s how a Prospect renewal project invests in both those who built KC and the city’s future

Economic development initiatives are measured not just in buildings, but in opportunity, said Melissa Patterson Hazley, lauding the use of the Central City Economic Development (CCED) Sales Tax Program to transform underutilized parcels in Kansas City into modern, energy-efficient housing that support long-term neighborhood vitality.

Economic development and project leaders share a laugh during a groundbreaking event for the Prospect Summit Duplexes project; photo by Jocelyn Heckman

“Projects like Prospect Summit represent the intentional work of making sure every part of Kansas City benefits from growth,” said Patterson Hazley, 3rd District at-large councilwoman for Kansas City, Missouri, speaking Wednesday from a groundbreaking event Wednesday for 24 new townhomes at 22nd and 23rd streets, along Prospect Avenue.

The residential initiative is a collaboration between Taliaferro & Browne and Fulson Housing Group with an estimated total investment of about $8.2 million, supported by approximately $2.5 million from CCED, a program now administered through the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri (EDCKC).

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Editor’s note: the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri (EDCKC) is a partner of Startland News.

“By aligning policy, investment, and community partnership, we are building pathways for residents to access quality housing and long-term opportunity,” said Patterson Hazley.

Construction at the Prospect Summit Duplexes site where 24 new townhomes are expected to be built at 22nd and 23rd streets, along Prospect Avenue; photo by Jocelyn Heckman

Construction has begun at the Prospect Summit Duplexes site, activity expected through 2025, according to EDCKC.

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The CCED program is funded through a voter-approved ⅛-cent sales tax to support economic growth in Kansas City’s third, fourth, and fifth districts. It focuses on affordable housing, small business development, and community-led revitalization.

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Wednesday’s groundbreaking ceremony brought together community partners, local officials, and members of Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church, a longstanding anchor of the Prospect corridor. 

The project advances CCED goals to expand quality housing, strengthen neighborhood choice, and encourage private investment that benefits residents and local businesses, said Dan Cranshaw, chair of the CCED board.

“Prospect Summit reflects what Central City Economic Development Sales Tax District program was designed to do: invest in people, not just projects,” he continued. “Each home represents an opportunity for residents to live, grow, and thrive in neighborhoods that have long been the heart of Kansas City. It’s about ensuring that equity and prosperity move together.”

The years-in-the-making initiative on Prospect carries deep meaning, added Leonard Graham, president of Taliaferro & Browne, co-developer of Prospect Summit Duplexes and winner of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Legacy Award.

“It is more than new construction,” he said. “It is about restoring pride, creating access to quality housing, and showing what is possible when community and opportunity align along Prospect Avenue.”

Leonard Graham, Taliaferro & Browne, Matt Fulson, Fulson Housing Group, and Hagos Andebrhan, Taliaferro & Browne, stand together at a groundbreaking event for the Prospect Summit Duplexes; photo by Brian Escobar, EDCKC

A closer look at a site elevation rendering for the Prospect Summit Duplexes, a project supported by the Central City Economic Development (CCED) Sales Tax Program; image courtesy of Taliaferro & Browne

Mayor Quinton Lucas hailed the project as another step forward for Kansas City’s East Side and the city’s goal of creating 10,000 new and preserved units of affordable and attainable housing.

“This development will strengthen our urban core and deliver the kind of progress our residents can see and feel,” he said.

Those residents — especially seniors — deserve homes that honor their contributions and support their future, said Matt Fulson, founder of Fulson Housing Group, noting Prospect Summit was designed with stability in mind; ensuring our older residents can age confidently in the community they helped build.

“This investment stands as a promise that progress will always include those who paved the way and we’re proud to have partnered with Taliaferro & Browne, CCED, the City of Kansas City, Missouri, and our elected officials to bring this project to life,” he continued.

Economic development, city and project leaders put shovels to dirt during a groundbreaking event for the Prospect Summit Duplexes, a project supported by the Central City Economic Development (CCED) Sales Tax Program; photo by Brian Escobar, EDCKC

The community has long deserved an investment like Prospect Summit, added Melissa Robinson, 3rd District councilwoman for Kansas City.

“Each new home signals more than construction, it is a commitment to restoring stability, dignity, and opportunity along Prospect Avenue,” she said. “When we invest in people and in place, we strengthen the foundation of Kansas City’s future.”