Homeroom Health Adds Pediatric Care to Troost Revival

By Kevin Collison

The historic Wonder building at 30th and Troost is rounding out its revival with a pediatric clinic aimed at providing comprehensive health care to families and young people with or without insurance.

Homeroom Health will provide medical, dental and psychological care to clients ranging from infants to young adults in a 5,500 square-foot ground level suite at the Wonder Lofts + Shops.

It’s a new joint venture between Cornerstones of Care and the KC CARE Health Center.

“They’re going to serve market-rate people and folks who can’t afford healthcare the same way,” said architect Caleb Buland, co-developer of the Wonder project.

“It meets the definition of accessible healthcare and will focus on kids and young families which is at the core of a strong community.”

The Wonder redevelopment already has filled 87 apartments in the historic Wonder Bread building along with new shops, restaurants and businesses.

The healthcare component completes what Buland likes to call an “immersive” city block that generates multiple services to the neighborhood.

“With us supporting them and them supporting our community, we’re all having a great experience,” he said.

Homeroom Health is expected to open soon, and then will begin accepting appointments and walk-ins.

A dental exam room being readied for the opening of Homeroom Health.

The facility includes four dental exam rooms, six pediatric exam rooms, two mental health counseling areas and a lounge for youth and young adults to relax, play video games and feel safe.

Homeroom Health will provide will provide services to infants, children, teens and young adults up to age 24 with or without insurance or Medicaid. The staff will assist families determine payment, including a sliding scale based on household income.

It plans to serve both children in foster families and those living in the surrounding community.

“KC CARE and Cornerstones of Care have shared expertise and experience in meeting the needs of children and families who find quality healthcare and support services to be inaccessible,” Wil Franklin, CEO of KC Care, said in a statement.

“Relying on the strengths of each organization, our vision is to better address the needs of children who have experienced trauma and improve the overall health of our community,” Denise Cross, Cornerstones of Care CEO, said in a statement.

Buland said about 10 healthcare professionals will be employed at the facility.

The opening of Homeroom Health will mean 95 percent of the commercial space at Wonder will be occupied. The $18 million redevelopment project opened at the beginning of the year.

Wonder Shops + Lofts occupies the former Wonder Bread bakery at 30th and Troost.