Developers rehabbing the historic House of Hits building at 18th and Vine in Kansas City, Missouri, say the loss of historic preservation funding is one reason they face a funding gap. (Flatland)
Developers rehabbing the House of Hits building at 18th and Vine streets in Kansas City, Missouri, say the loss of historic preservation funding is one reason they face a funding gap. (Courtesy/Flatland)

Kansas City: Central City Economic Development (CCED) Sales Tax Board (April 28, 2026)

By Bunny Pederson, Kansas City Documenter

See more about this meeting at Documenters.org

 Summary

  • A report to the CCED board said the fund collected about $1.1 million in sales tax revenue in March.
  • The board tabled for further discussion requests for increased funding from the developers of The Parker and Lineage Distribution Center. The board voted to take up the two projects at an upcoming special session.
  • The board also received an update on Vista Flats.

Notes

Treasurer’s Report

  • City staff member Latoya Jones reported sales tax revenue for March, totaling $1.1 million. She said there is about $7 million in available funding, with $5.5 million available after accounting for three projects.  

Project Reports

Update on Round VII Projects

  • Program administrator Sherise Kirkwood reported that the program is doing “really great” on moving projects forward from Round VII. She said four projects from that round are still awaiting contracts.

The Parker (Originally submitted as Jazz District III)

  • According to information submitted to the board, 18th & Vine Commercial LLC is requesting an increase of $922,500 to the original CCED award of $4 million in 2023. 
  • Project representative Kelvin Simmons told the board that The Parker is “probably the only type of project like this that the CCED board has ever seen,” given its mix of affordable- and market-rate housing, commercial space and historical preservation. The latter component contributed to the need for a budget increase.
  • The proposed increase targets the construction, buildout and completion of the building known as the House of Hits in the 18th & Vine Historic Jazz District. The building is more than 100 years old and has been home to numerous business enterprises, at one time housing the administrative offices for the Monarchs Negro League baseball club.
  • A significant amount of the proposed increase is to make the building compliant with the Americans With Disabilities Act. The project lost eligibility for historic tax credits because of what Simmons called a “major collapse” in the building in 2021.
  • Simmons said the components of the House of Hits would include an entertainment area as an extension of the proposed restaurant and also potentially incubator space for Black-owned businesses.
  • The proposed budget increase prompted a discussion about the difficulty of redevelopment efforts in the 18th & Vine District, with one board member expressing dismay that every project that has been done there is “going over budget like crazy.” Historic preservation costs are a key driver.

Lineage Connect

  • The project calls for tearing down the former Thriftway grocery store at 3510 Prospect Ave. and replacing it with a light-industrial facility of approximately 45,000 square feet. The plan also calls for incorporating eight residential lots that are unsuited for constructing single-family residences.
  • The new building will house Lineage Connect, an outsourcing, logistics and mail distribution company.
  • The developer is requesting an increase of nearly $1 million to the initial $1 million the board approved in Round VII. The project cost has risen from $18.1 million to $20.1 million, and the developer has accessed other funding sources to help cover some of the increased costs. 
  • Board members expressed optimism about the project, especially given that the employer provides a first-time home-buying grant to its employees and because the project brings jobs to the area.

Vista Flats

  • Kirkwood said this is a Round VI project originally awarded $1.1 million for 14 units. However, after the award, a fire at the property decreased the units to eight.
  • A project representative told the board they had finalized final construction lending with their bank and were closing that within 10 to 15 calendar days. 

Observations & Follow-Up Questions

  • How often have budget modification requests been approved in the past one or two years? 
  • How is “minority ownership” verified and enforced after completion? 
  • What happens if a modification request is denied? Are projects paused, downsized or canceled?

Type of Story: News

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.

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