Plan Back for Mid-Rise Apartment Project in River Market

By Kevin Collison

Developer Taylor McKee has resumed his proposal for a 10-story apartment project at Fourth and Broadway in the River Market and plans to begin construction by late spring.

What’s now an 88-unit project first was proposed two years ago, and McKee still intends to build the $21 million development without seeking tax incentives. The earlier plan called   for an eight-story, 76-unit building.

While the project will be next to a ramp being built for the new Buck O’Neil Bridge, McKee said he plans screening to shield the planned amenity deck, and still finds the site attractive.

“We love the River Market and still think it’s the best urban neighborhood in Kansas City,” he said.

The proposed apartment building at 303 Broadway would be located near the new Buck O’Neil Bridge. (Map from City Planning Department filing)

“This building will be at the focal point entering the River Market on the new bridge. It also has amazing views of our downtown airport and the river valley.”

McKee has been an active apartment developer in the River Market, teaming up with George Birt to build the River Market West apartment project immediately west of the new site at 303 Broadway.

The one-half acre location at the northeast corner of Fourth and Broadway is currently the location of a cinder-block storage building which would be demolished, and a vacant lot.

McKee said the market-rate project will be half one-bedroom units and half one-bedroom with den units. Monthly rents are expected to be $1,500 for a one-bedroom; $1,950 for a one-bedroom with den.

The developer anticipates the one-bedroom plus den units will be popular, providing renters with more space for working at home at less cost than renting a two-bedroom apartment.

The property at Fourth and Broadway is currently occupied by a cinder-block storage building and a vacant lot.

“It’s a new produce that’s not in the River Market now,” he said.

The plan calls for a 66-space, two-level garage with one floor below grade. The nine levels of residential will be above, with one apartment planned for the ground floor. That unit  could be converted to retail use depending on demand.

“It could easily be converted to a small retail/coffee shop space if the need exists,” McKee said. “It has separate access, windows at street level and could be a really cool boutique space.”

The second level outdoor amenity deck facing south will include a swimming pool, fitness center and lounge. The area will be screened from the nearby bridge traffic. A rooftop deck is planned on the southwest corner.

The 303 Broadway project will be located near where a pedestrian/bicycle path and small park is planned as part of the new bridge. That MoDOT project is scheduled to be completed Fall 2024.

The apartment development is expected to be completed in late 2024.