EllieAna Hale
Community Engagement Intern & Reporter

Guadalupe Centers Inc.(GCI) recently broke ground on a new affordable housing initiative, named “Guadalupe Apartments,” situated at 1616 Hardesty Ave, on the southeast corner of the Guadalupe Center school campus. This development, comprising 50 mixed-income one and two-bedroom units, will address the pressing need for affordable housing in the Kansas City community. 

The construction is already underway and is expected to be completed by April 2025.

In a city where affordable housing is becoming a necessity, this housing initiative will bridge the gap to provide essential housing for individuals and families who meet certain income criteria.

Beto Lopez, CEO of Guadalupe Centers, expressed his enthusiasm for the project. “A project like this preserves the Guadalupe legacy by continuing to meet the evolving needs of the community while addressing a very important need for affordable housing,” Lopez said. “This will have a transformative impact and continue the work that GCI has had in the community for a very long time.”

Tenants of the Guadalupe Apartments will not only benefit from affordable living spaces but will also have access to a range of comprehensive services provided by GCI including emergency assistance, case management, adult education, workforce training, youth educational programs and more.

To those who meet the criteria, qualified tenants will go through a screening process before moving in. Teachers and employees of GCI are encouraged and welcomed to apply for housing. 

Nancy Simons, Executive Director of the Blue Valley Neighborhood Association is thrilled to have the new development. “I’m excited about it,” Simons said. There’s a need for more affordable housing in Blue Valley, we’ve got folks living in their cars, I’ve never seen it this bad,” she continued. “This will definitely fill a huge need.”. 

The initiative is the result of a joint venture between Guadalupe Centers, Consolidated Housing, and Monarch Private Capital, signifying GCI’s commitment to creating affordable housing in Kansas City.

Construction initially began in February. An April 2025 completion date is projected.