Huge development a "game changer" for Historic Northeast
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Rendering: Courtesy of Nomad Develops and Arnold Development Group
A massive redevelopment project is set to transform 22 neglected acres in the Historic Northeast into a bustling public market, a business incubator and low-income apartments.
Why it matters: The $180 million plan would create affordable housing, business opportunities and a communal gathering space on a scale seldom seen in Kansas City's underinvested East Side.
Catch up quick: Local developers have spent years cleaning up and clearing out the massive 1920s building and surrounding site, which has mostly sat dormant for the past 10 years.
- "Everybody's like, is it happening? … [Yes], this is happening." Carmen Chopp, chief executive of partner developer Nomad Develops, said during a site tour.
State of play: Developers are searching for locals to fill tenant spaces at the public market, anticipated to open in 2027.
- "Anybody who would be interested in operating a business in here, and popping up in here, being a part of the events and festivals" should sign up to be a vendor, according to Danny Roberson of Arnold Development Group.
By the numbers: The public market will be 29,000 square feet — about half the size of a football field — with 18 tenant spaces.
- The 12-story building will house 395 apartments, more than 80% of which will qualify as affordable housing for families making 30% to 80% of the area's median income.
Additional amenities will include child care, coworking offices and a community gym.
- A commissary kitchen will provide space for food wholesalers.
- Solar panels and geothermal wells will provide sustainable energy.
What they're saying: "It's a game changer for the community," Michael Bushnell — historian, author of "Historic Postcards from Old Kansas City" and owner of Northeast News — tells Axios.
- When asked what he's heard from the community, Bushnell said: "They love it. And everybody's kind of, 'Okay, cross your fingers, cross your knees, your toes, and just continue to advocate for that project.'"
Context: "When I moved in in 1990… Northeast was literally rock bottom," Bushnell said.
- He blamed white flight in the mid-1900s and the subsequent fall in quality of Kansas City Public Schools for the Northeast's decline. He also said discriminatory housing practices played a role.
- "Call it yellow lining for us, because parts of Northeast were redlined … but it's like little cutouts."
Between the lines: Developers addressed concerns over gentrification by asking the community, "What do you need?" Chopp said.
- Neighborhood groups met with Arnold Development Group and helped shape the project from the beginning, KCUR reported.
- "You're stabilizing a community is what it boils down to," Bushnell said.
What's next: Renovation work on the public market building is scheduled to begin in July.