Kansas City Area Transportation Authority Announces Major Affordable Housing Development and Transit Partnership

The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) is proud to announce initial approval by the KCATA Economic Development and Real Estate Committee for a transformative partnership in the development of Redbud Reserve, a 192-unit garden-style affordable apartment community slated for construction on 10.63 acres at 6909 State Avenue, Kansas City, Ks. The development, led by Marian Development Group under Redbud Reserve LLC, would represent a significant investment in affordable housing and community enhancement along the State Avenue corridor.

Now that it has been approved by the KCATA Economic Development and Real Estate Committee, it will go up for a 2-stage review by the KCATA Board of Commissioners in June, then a second review in July.

Scheduled to commence in Q4 2025 and achieve full lease-up by Q2 2027, Redbud Reserve will feature eight 3-story buildings, a clubhouse, playground, and ample open space, fostering a vibrant, inclusive community. Situated within the RP-5 multifamily zoning district, the site has been vacant for years, making it an ideal location for this much-needed development.

This would be the first Transit-Oriented Community Development (TOCD) in Wyandotte County along the Bi-State Corridor supported by KCATA. Seven other TOCD projects are currently in various stages in Kansas City, Mo. In support of the project, Unified Government’s 8th District Commissioner Andrew Davis said, “I truly believe this project will be catalytic for future developments on this side of the 8th district, showcasing another powerful method for fostering economic growth in Wyandotte County and the broader Kansas City metro area.”

In addition to providing 192 new LIHTC homes, Redbud Reserve is expected to generate approximately $18 million in taxable construction purchases and long-term property-tax revenue. Furthermore, the development is projected to increase KCATA ridership, contributing to sustainable transit growth and catalyzing economic reinvestment in Kansas City, Ks.

"This project exemplifies KCATA's commitment to enhancing community connectivity and supporting sustainable urban development," said Michael Riley KCATA Director of Transit-Oriented Development. "By strategically locating Redbud Reserve adjacent to existing RideKC bus stops, residents will enjoy convenient, car-free access to KCK Community College, local employment hubs and retail centers."

The $52.5 million development is financed through a diverse capital stack, including 4% federal and state Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), tax-exempt START conduit bonds, conventional debt, and sponsor equity. This approach ensures the project's financial viability while leveraging public-private partnerships to maximize community impact.

"We are grateful for the support of our community partners, including Commissioner Andrew Davis of District 8 and Dr. Greg Mosier of KCK Community College," added Riley. "Their advocacy and collaboration have been instrumental in advancing this transformative initiative."

“I am excited about the prospect of this project, providing additional high quality, safe, and affordable housing options for our students just across the street from the College,” said Greg Mosier, President of Kansas City Kansas Community College.

As part of its commitment to community enrichment, the development team will fund the construction of a new bus stop and support KCATA's Community Ambassadors program. This initiative, aimed at enhancing bus safety and providing social service support to riders in need, underscores KCATA's holistic approach to fostering a safe and inclusive transit experience.

Moreover, the developer has agreed to an impact payment contribution of $367,500 to Wyandotte County, aligning with KCATA's dedication to promoting economic vitality and community well-being.

For more information on KCATA's TOCD initiatives, please visit www.tocd.kcata.org

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About KCATA: Congress established the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) in 1966, granting jurisdiction over a region spanning two states, seven counties and over 100 cities. KCATA utilizes its authority to enhance public transportation accessibility and broaden service options. This is achieved through a range of transportation services and the development of transit-oriented community development facility projects. The authority operates under the public-facing brand RideKC. In 2022, KCATA earned recognition as North America's top mid-sized transit agency for its innovative leadership. For more information, visit the KCATA website at kcata.org. To find the nearest stop and join the journey, visit ridekc.org.