Joe Jarosz
Northeast News
June 10, 2014

The highlighted area to the left are the parcels Flaherty & Collins will be leasing.
The highlighted area to the left are the parcels Flaherty & Collins will be leasing. Contributed photo.

KANSAS CITY, Missouri — The Kansas City Port Authority has moved one step closer to riverfront development.

The Port Authority announced it is entering into an agreement with Flaherty & Collins to create a mixed-use urban village on the Kansas City Berkley Riverfront Park.

This development is the first phase of the Berkley Riverfront Development, bringing 398 luxury apartments, 400 parking stalls, and 12,000 square feet of retail shopping across five acres. The agreement is a lease for two parcels of property, or 55 acres.

Marissa Cleaver Wamble, vice president of corporate communications, said when the Port Authority held a public information meeting this past March, officials spoke with community members about the overall development. They also wanted to get input from the community.

“This is just the first step,” Wamble said. “We’re just announcing the partnership and that someone wants to build. There’s still a lot to do.”

Wamble added an official agreement will be finalized in the next six months. Once the agreement is complete, she estimates about a year for construction.

According to a press release on the agreement, the community will be pet friendly and offer amenities for residents who are active or just want to relax. Some of the features will include a resort-style pool with sun deck, sky bar with views of downtown Kansas City and the river, gaming lounge, fitness club, indoor/outdoor yoga and pilates studios, pet wash and a bicycle bar.

The deal is the culmination of 30 years of investment and environmental abatement, in partnership with Kansas City. The 55-acre site is part of a large scale master plan set forth by the Port Authority to create a world class urban village that will encompass offices, residential and retail space, and amenities. This initial step will facilitate Kansas City’s riverfront in becoming a long term economic and stimulate future projects.

More information about the project will be announced in coming weeks. The Port Authority’s mission is to foster the economic vitality of Kansas City through transportation, trade, commerce, and development.