Artistry KC Adds Living to East Crossroads Scene

By Kevin Collison

The East Crossroads is joining the downtown residential revival in a big way this week as Artistry KC, a 341-unit development that occupies almost two blocks, opens its leasing office 1918 Locust.

The $72 million project by Indianapolis-based Milhaus, is the first major new construction in a corner of downtown that’s been a cozy magnet for local retail entrepreneurs and microbreweries occupying renovated buildings the past decade or so.

John McGurk, an official with Milhaus, believes the organic atmosphere of the East Crossroads will be a big draw for prospective residents.

“With everything going on with 18th Street, in normal (non-Covid) times, it’s a cool, local scene with retail and restaurants,” he said.

“Brewery Emperial is right across the street and we’re 2 1/2 blocks from the streetcar. “There’s more retail here than you’d imagine.”

The Artistry KC apartment development occupies most of two blocks.

The Artistry development consists of four new four- and five story apartment buildings, a 340-space garage and community space located in what was formerly known as the Motor Freight Building.

It’s been completely renovated to become the resident lounge, leasing office, coffee shop, mailroom, makers’ space and fitness center. There’s also a deck off the building that opens to the Artistry courtyard that includes a swimming pool, outdoor kitchen and fire pits.

The view from a fifth floor apartment; most Artistry units have balconies.

The development covers a 6.25-acre site east of the Oak Street viaduct between 19th and 20th streets. There also is 12,000 square-feet of retail space in one of the apartment buildings facing 19th Street.

McGurk said the development west of Locust Street should be completed by early spring with the entire project finished by next summer. Tours also will begin this week with the first move-ins anticipated by Nov. 1.

“Our market is young professionals, empty nesters and renters by choice,” he said.

Monthly rents for a studio apartment start at $989; a one-bedroom, $1,245, and a two-bedroom, $1,830.

A typical kitchen design at Artistry KC.

The resident community space at Artistry includes a coffee bar.

The Artistry KC development is the first major new construction project in the East Crossroads.