Ascent Apartments in Kansas City is a market-rate transit-oriented development project in Kansas City. Slated to open in fall of 2026 it will bring 300+ apartments and townhomes near transit, along the North Oak Trafficway corridor. Let’s hear more about it from Michael Riley, Director of Transit-Oriented Development and Transit-Oriented Communities at the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA).
Find out more about Ascent Apartments here and about other projects in development at KCATA here, including affordable, senior and community housing.
What was there before?
The site was never developed and was privately owned. Prior to our partnership, it produced only $12,000 in tax revenue, based on 2022 figures. With the new development, the parcel is projected to make $337,131 for the taxing jurisdictions.
What is the “after”?
The $85 million facility will produce a 342-unit residential community rising just steps from NorthPoint Development’s headquarters in Kansas City, MO. A national leader in commercial real estate, NorthPoint Development has built a reputation for forward-thinking projects that enrich both people and places. This new transit-oriented community will extend that legacy—linking high-quality, market-rate homes directly to KCATA service and to NorthPoint’s own campus.
Recognizing that every project is a mosaic of factors, what 1 or 2 things made this possible?
The community partnerships made this deal possible. We received strong support from community advocates, such as Northland Neighborhoods, Inc., a community development nonprofit organization, and the local School District, North Kansas City School District.
Historically, school districts have not always been supportive of property exemptions, but since the developer was able to build streetlights and sidewalks, the neighborhood children could travel safely back and forth to school. Before the project, the community was concerned since there were no sidewalks and children had to walk in the street. With the developer making the infrastructure improvements the district became one of the facility’s strongest advocates.
How is it integrated with transit – any special features?
The facility will maintain and upgrade the bus stop in front of NorthPoint’s headquarters and will build a path to the bus stop connecting the employment center and the housing units.
What stands out in terms of ROI, and for whom?
The ROI for the community will be more housing options for the region. The ROI for KCATA is estimated at $916,375 in fees generated from the KCATA START bond.
What’s your lesson learned, take away or “I wish I knew before I started” for peers in other cities/regions?
I would say the takeaway from this facility is that forging partnerships between the KCATA and the developer and the community is crucial. When factoring in community needs, we requested the developer add community benefits like streetlights and sidewalks that the community requested and needed. This infrastructure improvement, paid for by the developer and not the city, showed this developer is a community partner that listened to the needs of the neighborhood.
Ascent Apartments – KCATA
Photos courtesy of KCATA and NorthPoint Development:
1) Map of North Kansas City, showing location of Ascent Apartments and KCATA transit lines
2) Rendering of Ascent Apartments
3) Street rendering with bus stop
4) Bus stop and bike share rendering
Click images to enlarge
1) Map of North Kansas City, showing location of Ascent Apartments and KCATA transit lines
2) Rendering of Ascent Apartments
3) Street rendering with bus stop
4) Bus stop and bike share rendering
Click images to enlarge
