By Joe Jarosz
Northeast News
March 4, 2015

KANSAS CITY, Missouri — Columbus Park is growing.

And after the most recent Northeast Kansas City Chamber of Commerce meeting, members have a better idea of what’s growing in Columbus Park.

Nguyen Pho + Grill, located in the River Market, played host as chamber members learned more about what is being developed just east of the River Market. John Eckardt, city planner for for Kansas City, Mo., said the development is a collaboration between Columbus Park Developers, LC and the Prairie Fire Development Group, LLC. The nine block area covers around 20 acres, from Third to Fifth Street between Holmes and Charlotte Streets. The city council has approved 368 total living units and 19,200 square feet of commercial space. The area would also include 973 new parking spaces.

The amenities for the proposed developments include mixed use housing with an urban greenway on Fourth Street, with off-street parking with 24-hour security.

“The idea is to make Fourth Street very use friendly,” Eckardt said.

Eckardt told the attendees that construction in Columbus Park is slated to begin this year. The first phase is going to include 54 units along Fourth Street, with more units east of the structure. There will be supportive parking to all units. However, developers have made several changes to what was originally approved by the City Council. Eckardt believes this means developers will have to go back to the planning commission and City Council.

“It’s very likely, given the changes we’re seeing in what they’re proposing compared to what the council has already approved, this will likely have to come back to see if what they’ve changed and what they’re now proposing is approvable,” Eckardt.

Since this is an Urban Renewal project, Eckardt said the final plan can be approved by the city’s planning staff. Along with city meetings, the develops also have to meet with neighborhood residents to update them on the plans. Since the project in an Urban Renewal, it qualifies for a 10-year, 100 percent tax abatement.

“Things are happening,” Eckardt said.