Who lives in these high-rises in downtown KC? Owners say how many are from out of town

The company behind a trio of luxury downtown high-rises says they’re attracting residents from outside Kansas City, including larger cities.

Many of the residents moving to One, Two and Three Lights, inside the downtown loop around the Power & Light District, are relocating from outside Kansas City — often more than 75%, according to developer Cordish’s data.

That includes residents moving from places like San Diego, New York, Chicago and several cities throughout Texas.

The data offers a glimpse at who is moving to a downtown that’s grown and transformed significantly in the past quarter-century, and what attracts them there.

“The biggest draw is the lifestyle,” said Nicholle Soendker, director of residential marketing for Cordish. “People aren’t just selecting their new home, they are choosing to live in the Power & Light District at the heart of Kansas City, where restaurants, entertainment, nightlife, work, and the KC Streetcar are all walkable.”

Going to Kansas City

For people relocating to Kansas City from larger cities, they’re looking for the ability to have dinner, see a concert or commute without relying on a car — the kind of urban lifestyle they’re used to.

Amenities within the Lights are also a draw, Soendker says: rooftop pools, resident bars, fitness centers, controlled-access parking and exclusive events and experiences that help residents connect.

Cordish says they both seek to attract prospective residents who are relocating — actively marketing to them and working with employers in the region — while also seeing organic interest from those drawn to Power & Light.

“The momentum we’ve seen in the last 15 years in the Power & Light District is compelling for those new to the city, and although there are many choices, we’ve consistently seen success in crafting a lifestyle rooted in connectivity and community,” Soendker said. “Living in the Lights offers an experience you can’t find anywhere else in Kansas City, and it’s why we’ve continued to see strong demand across our communities.”

Among those who have relocated is Pam Klein, who raised her children in the Northland and returned to Kansas City from Arizona with her husband, first part-time in Two Light and later full-time, to be closer to family as it grew with grandchildren.

“We always thought we would live downtown,” Klein said. “But we always thought it would be in another country because we are very significant world travelers.”

Thinking about the kind of city center lifestyle in a place like London or Paris, they thought they could perhaps rent an apartment for a year or so and live right in the city.

“We didn’t know that was going to be Kansas City,” Klein said.