See how Panasonic plant is powering a housing boom in De Soto, Kansas
Western Johnson County is experiencing a significant housing boom. Developers are betting on a surge in interest in the area thanks to the $4 billion Panasonic electric-vehicle battery plant.
The massive 4.7-million square-foot facility in De Soto, Kansas, is slated to open in July 2025. The project is expected to bring approximately 4,000 jobs and is creating substantial demand for housing in the small town of 6,500 people.
In anticipation of this influx of workers, new housing developments are underway which include the following:
The Residences at Lexington
Construction of the $75 million apartment complex by Alcove Development, based in Lawrence, Kansas, is well underway near the intersection of 90th Street and Lexington Avenue.
The 382-unit development will offer a mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments built across in 13 buildings. Alcove Development plans to complete six of the apartment buildings with 136 units by the end of 2025, with the remaining units expected the following year.
A clubhouse will offer amenities to the residents. The development will feature four two-story buildings, and 9 three-story building. Units will be available for leasing this summer. Dustin Baker, managing partner of Alcove, said they are trying to keep the rents affordable on the studio, one, two and three bedroom units. Rents will run $1,000 to $1,995 per month.
Eagle Creek Townhomes
MDP Partners is developing Eagle Creek Townhomes, a medium-density housing option located near downtown De Soto at 8532 Hammond Street.
The development will consist of four buildings totaling 21 units. The majority, eighteen units, will feature three bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms, while the remaining three units will offer two bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms.
Each townhouse includes a single-car garage. While most units are expected to be available for leasing by early September, the five-plex building is already fully leased.
Flint Meadow East
Flint Development of Prairie Village is developing Flint Meadow East, an 80-acre development situated west of the Clearview City neighborhood and north of 103rd Street.
The development, which sits across from the Panasonic plant, will include 207 finished single-family lots and 125 finished townhome lots. Site work has began and the initial delivery of these lots is anticipated later this year.
Construction is anticipated to start the first quarter of 2026 with the goal of delivering homes in the summer of 2026. A statement from the developer said with over 300 homes planned, this development will take a few years to reach final completion.
Flint Meadows West
The city’ of De Soto’s website shows another Flint Development project, a duplex community called Flint Meadows West with 248 units on 28 acres dedicated to housing. The area, between 95th and 103rd Street, is east of the Flint Commerce Center, a 1-million-square-foot distribution center located at 10200 Edgerton Road.
The Rio Apartments
Situated near downtown De Soto on the former site of a water holding facility, The Rio Apartments is another new development by Alcove.
The 59-unit complex at 8160 Shawnee Street has not been built yet, but it will comprise three podium-style apartment buildings, uniquely offering parking beneath the apartments. The Rio will feature one- and two-bedroom apartments, complemented by rooftop access and views overlooking the Kaw River. The project is is slated for completion in late spring of 2026.
Eagle Creek
Cottage Creek Development is creating a new subdivision of 27 single-family homes near the intersection of West 87th Street and Penner Avenue.
Situated on 14 wooded acres, the community will feature 27 houses, including 12 walkout lots. Beginning June 15, lots will be available for purchase with prices ranging from $90,000 to $125,000. Completed homes are expected to be priced between $475,000 and $675,000.
Arbor Ridge Subdivision
Alcove Development’s Arbor Ridge Subdivision, situated east of Kill Creek Road off W. 83th Street, features a variety of traditional housing: single-family homes, villas, and townhomes that are mostly complete. With limited lots remaining, the third phase of 63 single-family homes is nearing completion. New homes are priced from the $400,000s to the $600,000s.
Anderson Estates Duplex Development
The Anderson Estates Duplex Development by Prairie Field Development of Olathe involves the construction of 10 duplex buildings, providing a total of 20 units to be located West 85th and Kickapoo Streets in De Soto. Each unit will include 3 bedrooms and a 2-car garage. The infill development project also encompasses the extension of Kickapoo Street, which will terminate in a cul-de-sac.
The scale and variety of these housing developments underscore the impact of the Panasonic plant on De Soto’s growth, aiming to provide ample living options for the thousands of new employees expected to relocate to the region.