Big Apartment Proposal Near Plaza Revived by Lane4

By Kevin Collison

A big apartment project proposal on Belleview Avenue near the Country Club Plaza is back and this time it’s being pursued by Lane4, an experienced multi-family residential developer.

Lane4 Property Group has obtained the rights to develop the site where The Dylan apartment project was proposed more than two years ago.

The firm’s tentative plan filed with the city calls for a 12-story, 342-unit development although that could change, the developer said.

“Our goal is to figure out what we could build and what the economics look like,” said Brandan Buckley of Lane4. “It’s a fabulous piece of ground, whether its office or residential.”

Right now, the preliminary plan is described as a mixed-use project that would include four levels of below grade parking, a landscaped park, amenity deck and streetscape improvements.

The Dylan development would have replaced what’s currently vacant lots along the east side of Belleview roughly between 47th and 48th streets north of the Polsinelli law firm building. (Image from City Planning Department application)

The half-acre development site stretches along the east side of Belleview roughly from 47th to 48th streets. Lane4 also wants to convert 48th street to two-way traffic between Belleview and Roanoke Parkway.

The site was where an entity called Action Pact Design Group had wanted to build a 366-unit project called The Dylan. It called for eight levels of apartments atop a four-level parking garage.

The Dylan deal collapsed however in July 2020 and the property was being marketed by Orion Property Group.

Buckley said his firm is not planning on seeking tax incentives “at this point” for its plan. It’s hired el dorado architects as the designer.

“We’re exploring the possibility of a project on this marquee site,” he said.

“We envision an end project in keeping with the Country Club Plaza and something the city and neighborhood would be proud of.

“We want to build a generational asset to hold for the long term.”

Lane4 is currently building The Hudson apartment project at 3600 Rainbow near the KU Medical Center. (Rendering from Lane4 website)

The development site is less than a block from where another luxury apartment project is planned by Block Real Estate Services called The Madison. That 15-story, 238-unit project would be located on the triangular site where Roanoke and Madison converge.

Buckley said his firm has had preliminary meetings with the boards of the West Plaza Neighborhood Association and the Carlton Plaza condo building.

“We enjoy the opportunity to talk to the neighborhoods and we sometimes get great ideas from them,” he said.

The information about the project filed with the city said the developer will be seeking a height variance for the plan because the top of its roof exceeds the 130-foot limit.

Lane4 has been an active developer throughout the metropolitan area.

The firm currently is building a 228-unit project called The Hudson at 3600 Rainbow Ave. near University of Kansas Medical Center. Hunt Midwest is a partner on that seven-story development.

Liam Dai contributed to this report