After Kansas City school closed, dozens of affordable apartments open for seniors

The site of what was once a public school is now an apartment building with affordable housing for seniors.

Officials behind the development of the Greenwood Senior Apartments, at East 27th Street and Cleveland Avenue, staged a ribbon cutting on Tuesday to celebrate the opening of the 49-unit, three-story building. The project replaces Greenwood School, which closed in 1997 and was demolished in 2019 for planned redevelopment.

The building includes one- and two-bedroom apartments. Most of the units are geared toward residents with lower incomes, with rent payments based on income through assistance programs, and the rest are market rate. Amenities include gathering spaces, a community room, a computer lounge and a crafts room.

Matt Fulson, president and founder of affordable housing developer Fulson Housing Group told The Star that he is grateful for the opportunity to aid in revitalizing the east side. As someone who was born and raised in Kansas City, being able to do work in the city he’s from is rewarding, he said.

The Greenwood School site is one of about 30 that Kansas City Public Schools has considered for reuse or redevelopment after school closures. The district has sold more than 20 of its former properties.

“Our community dealt with a number of closures over the years that have left buildings behind,” said Melissa Patterson Hazley, City Council member for the Third District At-Large. “Oftentimes, I do hear from neighbors that are concerned about buildings that we are not using. This is a wonderful example of repurposing a KCPS school building, but in a way that the community actually needs.”

She noted a need in the community, including among seniors, for places to live that are clean, vibrant, bright and beautiful, as a corner in the neighborhood got an upgrade.

Project manager Nakhi Norwood said that the development ended with a full circle moment when he was able to move his grandma in.

Public support for the project included tax credits and money from the city’s Housing Trust Fund. Under a deal with the school district, the developer agreed to contribute to neighborhood funds that will support community projects and home rehabs.

This story was originally published November 11, 2025 at 3:25 PM.