Former Union Hill Motel Converted to Apartments

By Kevin Collison

A former motel at 29th and Main has been renovated into 96 apartments, many geared toward the high-demand, affordable housing market.

The one-time Residence Inn was converted into rental housing by Bob Frye of Union Hill development. It’s offering studio and smaller one-bedroom units from $895- to $995 per month, and two bedroom apartments at $1,295 per month.

Frye told an audience attending the recent opening of what’s called Union Hill on Main the project benefits both the larger Union Hill neighborhood next door and people looking for affordable apartments.

A ribbon-cutting event was held last week for the Union on Main apartments.

“This (motel) property came on the market two years ago, they’d lost their Marriott flag, and would have become a no-name hotel that would have threatened the neighborhood,” he said.

“It’s now a fabulous apartment project. These are great, affordable units that are beautiful with all the amenities you’d want.”

Among those attending the event were City Councilwoman Jolie Justus. She lives near the Union Hill area in the Longfellow neighborhood.

“Kansas City, without a doubt, is on a roll and this is one reason,” Justus said.

Bill Dietrich, president and CEO of the Downtown Council, praised Frye for redeveloping the Union Hill neighborhood over the past two decades. The area now includes 650 apartments. Many of its residents either work or are students in the nearby Hospital Hill area.

Each of the Union Hill on Main units feature a standard size washer and dryer, high-speed internet and secure parking. About three-fourths also feature wood-burning fireplaces.

In addition to renovating the former motel rooms into apartments, Union Hill donated about $200,000 worth of the former motel’s furnishings and bedding to charities including Operation Breakthrough, Habitat for Humanity, City Union Mission and Wayside Waifs.

Many of the Union Hill on Main units feature wood-burning fireplaces.