Balancing Preservation and Progress: The Future of Parade Park
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, in partnership with Third District at-Large Councilwoman Melissa Patterson Hazley and Third District Councilwoman Melissa Robinson, today applauded the City Council’s approval of a comprehensive funding package for the Parade Park Homes redevelopment, giving the green light to revitalize a community that began as investment in one of the country’s first Black-owned co-ops.
The $300 million project will transform the community near 18th and Vine into a mixed-income neighborhood with 1,100 affordable homes that include a blend of senior-accessible and family homes. The plan maintains its commitment to former residents by guaranteeing their right to return following construction.
“Parade Park Homes represents both Kansas City’s heritage and our future–and I am proud and honored to be the mayor privileged to ensure this historically Black neighborhood will be strong for generations to come,” said Mayor Lucas. “Today’s Council approval ensures Kansas City will continue to honor Parade Park’s legacy while also creating modern, affordable housing that keeps this community intact and thriving.”
Financing for the project combines allocations from the City’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund, and Shared Success Fund, with additional funding possible through the Central City Economic Development Fund. The redevelopment project will be led by a development team consisting of Twelfth Street Heritage and Flaherty & Collins, both of whom have demonstrated success with urban renewal projects across Kansas City.
“The passage of this ordinance is a signal from my colleagues that they support creating more diverse housing that appeals to multiple ages, income and family size,” said Councilwoman Patterson Hazley. “This project happens to sit in the 3rd district, but it is clear that it benefits the entirety of Kansas City. I am excited to see this project come to fruition.”
“This monumental project is the result of dedicated teamwork and a shared vision to honor and protect our community’s interests,” said Councilwoman Robinson. “I look forward to the groundbreaking ceremony and, more importantly, to breaking bread in residents’ homes when they return to a fully redeveloped Parade Park.”
The funding plan also includes the establishment of a dedicated Parade Park Homes Future Fund, a mechanism designed to sustain ongoing development and community support in subsequent phases. Redevelopment work is slated to begin this summer.
#ParadeParkRevival #AffordableLiving #HistoricPreservation
