New affordable apartments planned for Wyandotte County near community college
The Kansas City Transportation Authority is poised to approve an affordable housing development that would bring nearly 200 new units to Kansas City, Kansas, as part of an initiative that spans the state line, and could help a housing shortage for area college students.
KCATA’s real estate committee forwarded a plan on Monday for the future Redbud Reserve at 6909 State Ave., across College Parkway from KCK Community College. The KCATA Board of Commissioners will have final approval on Marian Development Group’s proposal at a later date.
Redbud Reserve would include 192 units across eight three-story buildings with a clubhouse, a playground and open space on what is now a vacant site.
In a statement, Unified Government Commissioner Andrew Davis of the Eighth District said the project would be “catalytic for future developments” in the area.
All units would be considered affordable for residents making between 50% and 60% of the area median income, according to agency documents. That would be between $44,600 and $53,500 for a family of two in the Kansas City metro area, according to federal data.
The $52.5 million project would be funded through a mix of KCATA-issued bonds, low-income housing tax credits, conventional debt and sponsor equity.
The proposal comes as KCATA pursues supporting developments in the region that would take advantage of nearby transit options, whether bus or streetcar. Redbed Reserve would be KCATA’s first project in Wyandotte County under the initiative.
Nearby bus routes include the 101 and the 116, and the developer would build a new bus stop for the project on the 101 line as part of the project. Officials estimate there could be 200,000 new rides every year from the apartments.
“This project exemplifies KCATA’s commitment to enhancing community connectivity and supporting sustainable urban development,” Michael Riley, director of transit-oriented development for KCATA, said in a statement. “By strategically locating Redbud Reserve adjacent to existing RideKC bus stops, residents will enjoy convenient, car-free access to KCK Community College, local employment hubs and retail centers.”
The proposal would include a 75% property tax exemption for 30 years, while it would be expected to generate millions in taxable purchases for construction alongside long-term new property tax revenue. The vacant property currently generates minimal tax revenue, according to county records.
The developer would also pay $15,000 into a KCATA program to help bus riders access social services and $367,500 to Wyandotte County for local infrastructure funding. The proposal would generate over $600,000 in fees to KCATA.
In a letter of support, KCK Community College President Greg Mosier said there is a housing desert in KCK, especially for college students. He said that for many students, the college’s new Centennial Hall is the first time they have lived in a quality environment and felt truly safe.
But it’s full with a long wait list, and the college is not in a financial position to build more housing, Mosier said. The Redbud project would help provide safe and affordable housing options for students across the street, he wrote.
Construction on Redbud Reserve could begin in late 2025 and be fully leased in 2027.