Two, 10-Story Apartment Buildings Contemplated for Berkley Riverfront

Last month, a Port KC official told the agency’s development committee there were $226 million in projects in the works near Berkley Riverfront Park, but offered no details.

That development picture became a bit more focused this week with the disclosure a local developer is contemplating two, 10-story buildings on one site, and a “boutique hotelier” is planning a five-story, 120-room hotel on another.

The new projects were listed in a memo to the development committee prepared by Joe Perry, Port KC vice president of development. It also included a reference to a previously reported $60 million apartment project proposed by NorthPoint Development.

The proposed 10-story buildings would be located immediately north of The Union apartments on a 2.6-acre site referred to by Port KC as Parcel 3. The developer was identified only as Kansas City-based with experience in multi-family and office projects.

“The development plan includes the highest density plan yet seen on the Riverfront with two ten-story towers and 3-story parking garage,” Perry wrote in his memo.

Two, 10-story buildings are being contemplated for Parcel 3, just east of The Union apartments. (Map from Port KC)

He said the mid-rise development plan also includes additional retail or office use on the northern portion of the lot facing the park and possibly a rooftop pool on top of the parking garage.

The proposed hotel would be located just north of the 348-unit apartment project planned by NorthPoint next to the Bar K bar, restaurant and dog park.

“The hotel developer will invest to make this a flagship location for the brand,” Perry wrote.

He said the proposed hotel would include a large fitness center, corporate retreat space, rooftop bar and a full- service restaurant.

The Berkley Riverfront may be getting closer to the development vision released in this 2017 master plan. (Image from Port KC)

The newly-disclosed developments also are coming at a time Port KC is anticipating the new owners of the Isle of Capri casino will make a major reinvestment in that aging property.

Port KC officials also plan to use part of the proceeds of the land sales to help pay for the planned extension of the streetcar to Berkley Riverfront Park and possibly on to near the Isle of Capri.

Perry has previously said that riverfront streetcar extension could be in operation by late 2022.