Kansas City, Missouri, October 24, 2025
The Grand Residential High-Rise
The Grand is a prominent 21-story residential high-rise located at 1125 Grand Boulevard in downtown Kansas City. Originally converted from an office building, the property now hosts 200 residential units and has been a significant fixture in the city’s urban landscape since its conversion, supported by a 25-year tax abatement running from 2019 to 2029. Owned by Aaron Mesmer and Jason Swords, the building has faced considerable challenges related to rising urban crime, which has led to high tenant turnover and safety concerns, including multiple shootings. Despite these difficulties, the owners continue investing in the property, including a recent $5 million upgrade, and are seeking an extension of their tax benefits to stabilize and improve the living environment for residents.
News Summary
The Grand, a 21-story residential high-rise in Kansas City, is requesting an additional $2.6 million tax abatement due to escalating crime rates and declining occupancy. Owners report significant challenges, including public intoxication and drug-related activities nearby, leading to tenant turnover despite lowered rents. The situation is compounded by safety concerns including multiple shootings near the building. City officials are reviewing the request amid ongoing discussions about security in the area.
Kansas City – The Grand, a 21-story residential high-rise located at 1125 Grand Boulevard, is seeking an additional tax abatement of approximately $2.6 million due to rising crime rates and falling occupancy in the area. Owners Aaron Mesmer and Jason Swords report significant challenges surrounding their building, including incidents of public intoxication and drug dealing from nearby establishments, which have adversely impacted tenant retention.
The Grand is situated one block north of the T-Mobile Center, an area that has seen increased criminal activity, including a recent shooting in August that left two individuals deceased and three others injured in a nearby parking lot. The high-rise’s situation is aggravated by a bus stop on 12th Street and a liquor store on 11th Street, as well as a bar whose patrons frequently obstruct access to the building.
The effects of this crime wave are evident in the significant tenant turnover at The Grand. Residents continue to leave, despite the owners lowering rents in an attempt to attract new tenants. The building has faced serious safety issues, including being shot at five times in the last two years, with bullets striking nine different units during one incident involving an automatic rifle.
In response to these challenges, the ownership group has incurred substantial financial burdens, including the cost of replacement windows at approximately $15,000 each. The Grand has previously received a 25-year tax break to support its conversion from an office building to a 200-unit apartment building, with a 100% abatement from 2019 to 2029. The current request seeks an extension of this tax benefit for an additional ten years, claiming that no other building in downtown Kansas City has been as adversely affected by crime.
The Grand’s owners describe a vicious cycle of escalating expenses and declining income, requiring new security measures and ongoing repairs. Last year, they invested an additional $5 million into the property after encountering difficulties refinancing existing debt. This request to the Planned Industrial Expansion Authority (PIEA) comes with the concern that a grant could set a precedent for similar demands from other projects within the city.
City officials are currently considering The Grand’s request. Although support has been expressed by some members of the city council, Mayor Lucas has clarified that his office is reviewing the proposal without showing formal support at this time. The request was submitted in late July, prior to the alarming double homicide near the T-Mobile Center, which has led to calls for new security measures for surface lot owners in high-crime areas.
Furthermore, The Grand has initiated legal action against real estate entities associated with the parking lot, alleging inadequate security that has caused economic harm to the property. The legal case is still pending, and specific details regarding litigation have not been disclosed by the owners.
Key Background Information
Crime rates in urban areas directly correlate with residential satisfaction and occupancy levels, and recent events in Kansas City’s downtown have raised alarms among residents and property owners alike. The Grand’s previous financial struggles are mirrored by the ongoing issues related to safety, leading to a complex and challenging environment for both the owners and the community.
Statistics and Incident Overview
- Location: 1125 Grand Boulevard, Kansas City
- Height: 21 stories
- Unit count: 200
- Period of initial tax abatement: 2019 to 2029
- Current tax abatement request: Additional 10 years to 2039
- Reported shootings at the building: 5 times in 2 years
- Casualties in recent shooting: 2 fatalities, 3 injuries
- Cost of replacement windows: $15,000 each
- Additional investment in the building last year: $5 million
Future Considerations
The evolving situation at The Grand is a significant point of discussion within local government circles, and its outcome may influence other properties facing similar challenges. As decisions unfold, the owners are actively seeking community and government support to navigate the pressing issues of safety and occupancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Grand?
The Grand is a 21-story residential high-rise located at 1125 Grand Boulevard, one block north of the T-Mobile Center in downtown Kansas City.
What issues is The Grand facing?
Owners Aaron Mesmer and Jason Swords report ongoing issues surrounding their building, citing public intoxication and drug deals from nearby establishments.
How much tax abatement is The Grand requesting?
The Grand has submitted a request to the Planned Industrial Expansion Authority (PIEA) to reduce its tax burden by approximately $2.6 million.
How has crime affected The Grand?
The building has experienced significant tenant turnover, with residents leaving despite lowered rents. It has been shot at five times in the last two years, with bullets striking nine different units during one incident involving an automatic rifle.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 1125 Grand Boulevard, Kansas City |
| Height | 21 stories |
| Unit Count | 200 |
| Initial Tax Abatement | 2019 to 2029 |
| Current Request | 10-year extension to 2039 |
| Reported Shootings | 5 times in 2 years |
| Recent Casualties | 2 fatalities, 3 injuries |
| Replacement Window Cost | $15,000 each |
| Last Year’s Investment | $5 million |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- KMBC: FBI Investigating UMB Bank Robbery
- Wikipedia: Bank Robbery
- KSHB: Prosecutors Charge KCK Man
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Homicide
- KSNT: Two Kansas City Banks Robbed
- Google Search: Kansas City Crime
- KMBC: Jefferson Quality Hill Apartment Homicide
- Google Scholar: Urban Crime
- Kansas City Star: Local Crime News
- Google News: Recent Crime Kansas City
- KMBC: Westport Cold Case
- Google Search: Kansas City Homicides
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.
