By Michael Bushnell, Publisher

A new mixed-use development is planned for the property that was occupied by S&S Meat Company for many years on the east side of Prospect Avenue between 6th and 7th streets. The project, called CitiHome KC and proposed by B+A Architecture, comprises two buildings, one three stories tall, the other four stories, encompassing a total of 82,000 square feet of both retail and residential space.

B+A Architecture Partner Thong Thai noted that this project is their second mixed-use project in the area, the first being the recently completed 2600 Independence Blvd. project one block north of this project site. 

The CitiHome project will house 78 apartment units, mostly one bedroom and studio units catering to individuals and small households – including students from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences – single professional workers, and young couples. Target rent for a studio unit will be $750 per month with one bedroom units coming in around $1,000 per month. Two bedroom units will rent for roughly $1,300 per month. Utility costs are not included in the monthly rent amount.

During a recent engagement session at the offices of the Northeast Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, community stakeholders had the opportunity to review the development proposal.

“Businesses and residents offered questions, comments and concerns regarding safety and security for the residents as well as the types of businesses that they would like to see in the proposed store fronts,” said Chamber President Bobbi Baker-Hughes. “In contrast to architecture, affordable housing was a primary concern of the residents in attendance.” 

The Independence Plaza neighborhood Council recently hosted a meeting where project architects presented the new development plans. When neighborhood leaders shared the plan on their social media page however, reaction was not exactly positive. “We hear you,” said IPNC spokesperson Laura Palacios in an email sent to The Northeast News. “We’ve invited the architect back for another community input session. Please come to share your comments and suggestions for the future of the 6th and Prospect project.” 

Eight retail storefronts will front both Prospect Avenue and 6th Street, encompassing roughly 9,300 square feet of space. Parking cut-outs will be provided along the street in addition to approximately 95 spaces behind the buildings for both residential and retail.

Thai calls this a transformative project due to its scope and ability to improve the surrounding community.

“This mixed-use project along the Independence Avenue Corridor is driven by our commitment to providing affordable housing, revitalizing blighted areas, and cultivating a vibrant and sustainable neighborhood,” Thai said. “We’re trying to provide a durable, reliable new building that also offers reasonable rents for residents and small businesses alike.”

The project is currently going through the community review process and should be heard by the City Planning Commission in August. Groundbreaking is tentatively slated for May or June of 2024 with completion in June of 2026.

The next Independence Plaza Neighborhood Council meeting where the CitiHome project at 6th and Prospect Avenue will be discussed is this Thursday, June 8th from 6:30 to 7 p.m. at St. Mark’s EarlystART, 2008 E. 12th St. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m.

View the proposal presentation here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1x95hnZwQxaasSoTxYMRio8qBurF0LOWJ/view?usp=share_link