Historic New England Building Apartment Redevelopment 40 Percent Leased, Opening Slated For Sept. 1

By Kevin Collison

The historic New England building, one of downtown Kansas City’s oldest office structures, has leased 40 percent of its 32 apartments, most of which feature ornate cast-iron fireplaces from the days before central heating.

The redevelopment of the 1887 structure at 112 W. Ninth St. is part of a $10 million investment by KC Loft Central which purchased the historic six-story building and a 10,000 square-foot commercial structure next door on Wyandotte.

John Bennett of KC Loft Central said the renovation being done by Rau Construction will retain many of the historic features of the building, including five-foot wide windows as tall as 12 feet, original fireplaces and wood floors, updated with modern appliances and fixtures.

“Rau Construction’s unrivaled renovation of The New England combines the best of old world craftmanship with the style and luxury that is expected in the 21st Century,” Bennett said.

The New England is part of a group of late 19th Century buildings that form one of the most architecturally grand blocks of downtown, Ninth Street from Baltimore to Wyandotte. It’s neighbors include the New York Life building (1890), Bunker building (1881) and Cosby Hotel (1881).

“It would be difficult to find a more distinctive apartment building in better location than the New England,” Bennett said. “You will be a part of downtown’s rich historic past and exciting future.”

About 30 of the apartments in The New England feature original fireplaces with distinctive cast iron designs of Greek gods and cherubs, and four different colors of 19th Century tile. The project features studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments ranging from $950 to $1,950 per month.

Bennett said 22 basement parking spaces are available to renters at an added cost of $100 per month, and there are several other garages in the area that offer monthly parking as well.

The project is expected to be completed Sept. 1 and is one of several apartment projects, both new and historic renovations, that are opening this year in downtown Kansas City.

The KC Loft Central leasing office is located at 127 W. 10th St. Hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m Sunday. Tours are available of The New England weekdays from 4-5 p.m. and all day Saturday.