Neighbors drop appeal over Graham Zusi’s six-plex in KC’s Westside. What’s next?

Neighbors opposed to a Kansas City soccer star’s proposed apartment project in the Westside neighborhood have dropped their appeal over a city decision in court

The case stretches back to last summer, following a decision by the city’s Board of Zoning Adjustment that paved the way earlier that year for former Sporting KC player Graham Zusi’s proposal for a new six-plex at 1639-41 Summit St.

Zusi’s project would be considered a “multi-unit house,” or a multifamily building that looks like a large house from the street.

The zoning board needed to approve the special use permit to allow for a “multi-unit house” on the property, given its zoning under city rules. A denser building wouldn’t be allowed at all, according to court documents.

The board also had to grant a request to loosen zoning rules, called a variance, to allow for six housing units — which is a few more than would normally be allowed on a lot of its size — and make the project possible.

Opposition to Zusi’s six-plex

The zoning board approved the special use permit in February 2025. When residents offered testimony at the time, some said it would offer needed housing and complement a growing Westside, while others questioned granting variances and worried it would damage the area’s character and strain infrastructure.

City staff at the time said a mix of housing types benefits central neighborhoods, while planning documents call for filling vacant lots and dense, walkable development in the city core.

After the zoning board’s approval, a group of neighboring property owners appealed the decision in court.

They alleged that the zoning board’s decision to grant a special use was illegal and that the proposal did not meet the standards for a variance. The zoning board said in court documents that the decision was legal and based on substantial evidence while being in the public interest and in line with city code.

Case centered on zoning in Westside

In February, a circuit court judge determined that the zoning board’s decision to grant the exceptions was legal and supported by the evidence, denying the neighbor’s petition for review.

After the judge’s decision, two of the neighbors filed an appeal in appeals court. But they dismissed the appeal earlier this month, according to court documents.

Attorneys for the neighbors, Alicia and Luke Bailey, did not return a request for comment; an attorney told the Kansas City Business Journal that the appeal had a high chance of success, but legal costs led to the decision to dismiss.

Records show the city recently issued a permit to construct the building.