‘Artist funky’ lofts will rise in the West Bottoms
The Kansas City Council on Thursday approved the View II, a five-building renovation plan in the West Bottoms for nearly 250 residential units in structures that have been vacant more than a decade.
Development adviser Bob Mayer said the plan was for “artist funky” apartments — a residential loft experience that should appeal to creative young people who already are attracted to the lower-cost warehouse and industrial area near Kemper Arena.
Mayer said rents are likely to range from $600 to $1,000 a month for the 800-square-foot to 1,000-square-foot apartments.
The conversion project is estimated to cost $25 million. Developer Wayne Reeder bought the 2.68-acre property for about $700,000 through his Reeder Family Trust and Interstate Underground Warehouse company.
The development is on the south side of the Union Pacific Railroad tracks, north of Union Avenue, west of Santa Fe Street and east of Mulberry Street.
The project’s name harkens to the View, Reeder’s previous residential tower at the northeast corner of downtown Kansas City. Reeder also continues to develop residences in the former Trinity Lutheran Hospital buildings south of downtown.
The first part of the View II, expected to begin rehabilitation within 90 days, will be in the nine-story former warehouse of the Ridenour-Baker Grocery Co., a century-old building in an industrial district that holds historic designation.
The latest tenant was Weld Wheels, which moved in 2003 to the Leeds industrial district near the Jackson County Sports Complex.
The View II will move forward with tax abatement approved by the Planned Industrial Expansion Authority, beginning with 95 percent for 10 years, and will use historic redevelopment tax credits.
Plans by architect WGN Associates call for 184 residential units in the nine-story tower, 39 units in a three-story building and 26 units in a two-story building. Storage, parking, a pool and retail uses are planned for the remaining two smaller buildings.
The developer is responsible for streetscape, parking and lighting improvements at the site as well as a required parkland dedication to the city valued at about $53,000, or nearly three acres.
The View II project was in planning since early 2013.
To reach Diane Stafford, call 816-234-4359 or send email to stafford@kcstar.com. Read more from Diane at kansascity.com/workplace. Twitter: @kcstarstafford.
This story was originally published March 19, 2015 at 9:36 AM with the headline "‘Artist funky’ lofts will rise in the West Bottoms."