Kansas City, Missouri, October 11, 2025
Guadalupe Centers
Guadalupe Centers is a community-focused organization dedicated to improving the lives of residents through comprehensive social services and development projects. Founded with a mission to support underserved populations, the organization has a long-standing history of fostering economic growth and social equity within Kansas City. Over the years, Guadalupe Centers has expanded its initiatives to include affordable housing, education, health services, and community engagement programs. Notably, it has played a pivotal role in the development of housing projects such as the Villa View Apartments, which provides sustainable and accessible living options for low- and moderate-income families, highlighting its commitment to community enrichment and equitable development.
News Summary
Kansas City is set to boost its affordable housing options with the Milhaus Apartments and Villa View Apartments projects. The Milhaus development will provide 194 affordable apartments aimed at families earning under 60% of the area median income. Meanwhile, Villa View Apartments has already been fully booked, offering 50 mixed-income units and modern amenities targeted towards young professionals and teachers. Both initiatives emphasize the city’s commitment to addressing the growing demand for affordable living spaces.
Kansas City is on track to expand its affordable housing options with two major projects: the Milhaus Apartments and Villa View Apartments, both responding to the pressing demand for affordable living spaces in the area.
Milhaus Apartments Development
The Milhaus development proposes to build 194 affordable apartments on the south corners of Troost Avenue and Linwood Boulevard in Kansas City. The apartments will consist of a mix of one- and two-bedroom units situated in a four-story building on each corner of the vacant lots. This initiative aims to serve households earning under 60% of the area median income, which is $60,180 for a family of three in Kansas City.
The city’s Board of Zoning Adjustment has already approved several exceptions to typical building standards for this project. The variances granted include relaxing technical requirements related to the number of entrances, size of windows, type of building materials, inclusion of balconies, and parking lot design. The development team emphasized that strict adherence to existing rules could inflate construction costs and ultimately jeopardize the affordable housing initiative.
In terms of accessibility, the new apartments are strategically located near bus stops, making it easier for residents to commute. Milhaus is currently seeking incentives to finance this project and is collaborating with neighborhood leaders on its design. The Kansas City planning commission recommended a rezoning for the project in August, but final approval is still pending from the City Council.
Villa View Apartments
In contrast, the Villa View Apartments, a mixed-income housing project overseen by Guadalupe Centers, has already been fully booked before its official opening. This development offers 50 units, combining market rate pricing with units tailored to income levels relative to the area median income. It primarily targets young professionals and teachers in the neighborhood.
This project features 42 units designated for households earning 30% to 60% of the area median income, and the remainder is available at market rates. With a strong emphasis on accessibility, Isabella Fiore, a new resident, mentioned that rising rent prices had caused her significant stress, a sentiment echoed by 47% of adults who feel anxious about housing costs.
Villa View Apartments includes several modern amenities such as Energy Star appliances, in-unit washers and dryers, and central air conditioning. The development meets the Enterprise Green Communities standards for sustainability, ensuring environmentally friendly practices. The project was developed in partnership with Riverstone Platform Partners and includes communal features like a business center, community room, courtyard, rooftop patio, and picnic areas.
Beto Lopez, president and CEO of Guadalupe Centers, indicated that the Villa View initiative utilized federal and state low-income housing tax credits and private partnerships, resulting in $12.5 million in federal and $5.6 million in state low-income housing tax credits. Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas praised the project, emphasizing the significance of accessible housing in the community.
Conclusion
Both the Milhaus Apartments and Villa View Apartments highlight Kansas City’s commitment to increasing affordable housing in line with growing demand. The developments aim not only to provide necessary housing solutions but also to enhance the community’s overall quality of life.
FAQ
What is the Milhaus development proposing?
The Milhaus development proposes to build 194 affordable apartments on the south corners of Troost Avenue and Linwood Boulevard in Kansas City.
What types of units will the Milhaus project include?
The apartments will consist of a mix of one- and two-bedroom units.
Who will the Milhaus project serve?
The project aims to serve households earning under 60% of the area median income, which is $60,180 for a family of three in Kansas City.
What is the status of the Villa View Apartments?
The Villa View Apartments has already been fully booked before its opening.
What is unique about the Villa View Apartments?
Villa View Apartments provides 50 units, some at market rates and others priced according to income relative to the area median income.
Key Features Chart
| Project Name | Number of Units | Target Income Level | Amenities | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milhaus Apartments | 194 | Under 60% of area median income | Four-story buildings, near bus stops | Pending City Council approval |
| Villa View Apartments | 50 | 30% to 60% of area median income & market rates | Business center, community room, courtyard, rooftop patio, Energy Star appliances | Fully booked |
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Additional Resources
- Kansas City News Article
- Axios: Villa View KC Affordable Housing
- KSHB: New Affordable Housing Complex Fully Booked
- Housing Finance: New Housing for Teachers and Families
- FOX 4 KC: Low-Income Senior Apartment Funding
- Wikipedia: Affordable Housing
- Google Search: Affordable Housing Kansas City
- Google Scholar: Affordable Housing Initiatives in Kansas City
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Affordable Housing
- Google News: Kansas City Affordable Housing
Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
