Kansas City, Kansas, October 20, 2025
North Star Development Project
The North Star Development Project is an initiative led by local developer Fran Sutton, focusing on creating affordable housing in Kansas City, Kansas. With a background as a real estate broker and a proven track record of constructing homes in the Turner neighborhood, Sutton aims to address the housing shortage by utilizing vacant land bank properties. The project leverages incentives from the Unified Government of Wyandotte County, including land offers at discounted rates and potential funding through HOME grants. Emphasizing modular construction and quality materials, the development strives to provide diverse, affordable homes for various income levels, revitalizing communities and offering opportunities for long-term residents and newcomers alike.
News Summary
Fran Sutton, a local real estate broker turned developer, is set to build 25 affordable homes at 21st Street and Quindaro Boulevard in Kansas City, Kansas. This initiative aims to tackle the housing shortage by utilizing vacant lots from the Unified Government’s land bank. Priced between $160,000 and $225,000, these homes aim to provide more accessible housing for local families amid rising market prices. Construction is anticipated to start in December, focusing on quality modular homes to support community needs.
Kansas City, Kansas: Local Developer Fran Sutton to Build 25 Affordable Homes
Local real estate broker turned developer, Fran Sutton, has announced plans to construct 25 affordable homes at the intersection of 21st Street and Quindaro Boulevard in Kansas City, Kansas. The project is set to address the ongoing housing shortage and aims to provide opportunities for individuals and families who feel priced out of the housing market.
Sutton’s initiative makes use of one of the over 4,300 vacant and abandoned lots in the Unified Government of Wyandotte County’s land bank. The local government encourages developers by offering incentives that enable them to build on these vacant properties at discounted rates. In the last five years, around 150 homes have been built on land bank lots, positively impacting about 150 families in the community.
Having previously constructed six houses in the Turner neighborhood, Sutton now aims to expand her efforts by developing 25 homes in Quindaro by mid-2026. This undertaking is especially significant given the considerable lack of affordable homes in Wyandotte County, where residents often face a choice between affordability and quality.
The properties that form the land bank portfolio typically stem from tax foreclosures, where the local government acquires these lots due to unpaid taxes. The Unified Government has the authority to confiscate homes and vacant lots based on the duration of non-payment, leading to a substantial collection of properties in the northeast corner of the county, particularly along Quindaro Boulevard.
Michael Sutton, a redevelopment coordinator, attributes the volume of land bank properties to historical redlining and economic disinvestment in the area. Builders often find the prospect of constructing homes in northeast Wyandotte financially challenging due to inadequate potential profit, particularly in contrast to more affluent regions like Piper.
To mitigate this issue, the Unified Government waives fees and offers land for just one dollar to reduce the financial barriers for developers like Sutton. Under the North Star Development Project—named in honor of the historic Quindaro Ruins site related to the Underground Railroad—Sutton plans to construct five homes each month over the next five months, starting in December.
Utilizing modular housing techniques, the project will allow for partially factory-constructed homes to be completed on-site. Each new dwelling will incorporate quality materials such as tile and wood flooring and offer a full basement for storage, with various styles and garage options available.
Sutton’s homes are projected to be priced between $160,000 and $225,000, notably below the county’s median home value of approximately $181,000. This pricing strategy aims to make them more accessible for local workers and young professionals moving to the area.
To help retain longtime residents and combat rising property taxes driven by market inflation, Sutton prioritizes the construction of affordable housing. The incentives provided by the Unified Government could allow her to receive up to $35,000 in HOME funds per unit, further aiding in her ability to sell the homes at below-market prices.
Sutton’s venture aligns with initiatives from local organizations such as BuildWyCo, which aims to create lower-cost housing options through the use of land bank properties. Despite recent increases in construction costs, stakeholders believe that Sutton’s development will present transformative opportunities for families in the area.
The anticipated benefits of the North Star project include a diverse and affordably priced housing option, designed to attract individuals from various income levels and ultimately enhance the local community.
FAQ
What is Fran Sutton’s affordable housing project about?
Fran Sutton plans to build 25 homes at 21st Street and Quindaro Boulevard to provide housing for individuals and families facing a housing shortage in Kansas City, Kansas.
Why are these homes significant?
The homes aim to fill the gap in affordable housing while addressing the local housing shortage by utilizing vacant lots in the Unified Government’s land bank.
When will construction start and finish?
Construction is set to start in December, with plans to build five homes each month, aiming for completion by mid-2026.
What is the price range for these homes?
The homes are expected to be listed between $160,000 and $225,000, which is below the county’s median home value.
How will the project be funded?
The Unified Government can grant Sutton up to $35,000 in HOME funds per unit, which will help her sell the homes below market price.
Key Features of Sutton’s Housing Project
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | 21st Street and Quindaro Boulevard, Kansas City, KS |
| Number of Homes | 25 |
| Construction Start | December |
| Completion Date | Mid-2026 |
| Price Range | $160,000 – $225,000 |
| Funding Assistance | Potentially up to $35,000 in HOME funds per unit |
| Housing Style | Modular homes with quality finishes |
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Additional Resources
- Axios: Housing Population Growth in Kansas City
- Wikipedia: Housing in the United States
- Fox4KC: Pilot Program for Repairable Homes
- Google Search: Affordable Housing Programs Kansas City
- Kansas City Star: Wyandotte County News
- Google Scholar: Affordable Housing Kansas City
- KSHB: Kansas City Housing Market Strain
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Housing
- Housing Finance: New Housing in Kansas City
- Google News: Housing Development Kansas City
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.
