South Plaza Condo Project Proposed Near Future UMKC Streetcar Stop

By Kevin Collison

A 23-unit residential condominium project is being proposed for the South Plaza area near 50th and Walnut, about two blocks from the planned terminus of the Main Street streetcar extension at UMKC.

Developer Doug Price wants to build the three-story “49 Walnut” project on a narrow lot that stretches between Walnut and Grand. The project would include 27 parking spaces, 17 in garages, according to a plan submitted to the City Planning Department.

The City Plan Commission unanimously approved a project plan for the 49 Walnut development at its meeting this morning.

In a text message, the developer said the location is close to UMKC, the South Plaza retail  district on Main, coffees shops, restaurants and the current MAX bus route on Brookside.

The project also is just east of a large development site being prepared by VanTrust Real Estate. VanTrust is demolishing an office building that formerly housed US Bank at 49th and Main, and has also razed a couple adjoining apartment buildings.

The three-story condo project is proposed for a narrow lot stretching from Walnut to Grand.

VanTrust officials say they plan to plant a grass lawn on the property, holding it until they determine how it would be developed.

The condo project envisioned by Price would include a mix of units including 1,151 square-foot, three-bedroom, two bath; 925 square-foot, two bedroom, two-bath, and 1,538 square-foot, three-bedroom, three bath.

Price has not determined the asking prices for the units.

Architectural materials include brick veneer, decorative trussing, stone veneer, case stone, and painted stucco, according to the planning document. Stone veneer covers the ground floors.

Another view of the 49 Walnut project. (Rendering from City Planning Department application)

A private drive crossing the lot east to west is planned for the north side of the property.

Price and his firm, Price Management, also plan to redevelop another site along the planned streetcar route at 31st and Main.

His plan to demolish the historic Jeserich Buiding to make way for a high-rise apartment project was stopped, at least temporarily, by the City Council recently. The Council granted landmark status to the Jeserich and adjoining buildings over Price’s objections in October.

The historic landmark designation means Price will have to wait at least three years if he wants to demolish them.