Kansas City, MO, January 30, 2026
Kansas City, MO, is undergoing significant revitalization driven by local entrepreneurs along the 39th Street corridor. As urban developments emerge, the balance between growth and community preservation remains crucial. The area has seen projects like the Hickok Homes apartment building, addressing housing density and neighborhood concerns through community engagement. The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority is also playing a vital role in promoting transit-oriented developments, integrating infrastructure with the city’s economic goals.
Kansas City Revitalization: Navigating Growth on 39th Street
Kansas City, MO, continues to experience dynamic growth, with local entrepreneurs driving innovative projects that reshape our neighborhoods and contribute to the broader Kansas City economic growth. The spirit of private investment and a commitment to urban revitalization are evident in ongoing developments across the city. As discussions around fostering a vibrant local economy continue, the careful balance between accelerating progress and preserving community character remains a central theme.
The 39th Street corridor, a critical artery in Midtown, is one such area witnessing significant attention. Developments here highlight the determination of Missouri MO entrepreneurs to enhance the urban landscape. These projects often involve navigating complex processes, including zoning changes and community input, reflecting a collaborative approach to city building. The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) also plays a role in promoting transit-oriented development, aiming to integrate housing and commerce with an efficient transportation network, thereby contributing to the vitality of Kansas City MO business.
39th Street Corridor: A Hub for Development
The 39th Street area, particularly west of Main Street, stands as a notable corridor for new investment and community enhancement. This area benefits from its proximity to key institutions and its vibrant local scene, making it an attractive location for both residents and businesses. New developments aim to add residential density and commercial vibrancy, contributing to the overall economic health of Kansas City. The ongoing revitalization efforts reflect a commitment to smart urban planning and private sector leadership in shaping the city’s future. The city has also initiated projects like a “road diet” on 39th Street to improve pedestrian and traffic safety, demonstrating a holistic approach to urban development.
KCATA’s Role in Transit-Oriented Development
The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA), through its development initiatives, aims to strategically integrate public transit with economic growth. Established in 2018, the RideKC Development Corp. (which later moved its development efforts in-house in 2023) was created to promote transit-oriented development (TOD) throughout the region. KCATA’s policy emphasizes building transit ridership, generating new revenue, and improving the quality of life by enhancing access to jobs, reducing traffic congestion, and benefiting the environment. These efforts seek to create walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods with convenient access to public transportation.
In 2022, KCATA approved bond measures for several apartment projects, including a significant investment near 39th and State Line Road. This project, known as the Jamestown project by Milhaus, involved a 223-unit apartment complex and received a property tax exemption. Such incentives typically include sales tax exemptions on construction materials and potential property tax reductions, with new tax revenues being shared with associated tax jurisdictions. These programs aim to make significant developments financially viable and encourage private investment in areas aligned with transit infrastructure goals.
Hickok Homes’ Vision for Roanoke Road
Among the noteworthy projects in the 39th Street corridor is a proposed apartment building by Hickok Homes. As part of Hickok-Dible, Kansas City’s oldest existing real estate development company founded in 1904, Hickok Homes brings a long legacy of building expertise to the project. The developer has proposed a four-story, 69-unit apartment building at 3825 Roanoke Road, a vacant lot off West 39th Street, directly across from the Loretto building. The design includes mostly studio and one-bedroom units, with a limited number of two-bedroom options, and features commercial space on the ground floor along with garage parking.
This project represents a substantial private investment intended to add much-needed housing density and commercial vitality to the area. Hickok-Dible’s commitment to quality and thoughtful design aims to contribute positively to the evolving character of Midtown Kansas City, reinforcing the role of Kansas City small business in driving urban renewal.
Navigating Community Dialogue and Project Evolution
The development process for the Hickok Homes project on Roanoke Road has involved extensive dialogue with local residents. Initial proposals, including a 92-unit design, faced strong opposition from neighborhood residents concerned about density, traffic safety, and the project’s fit within the existing neighborhood character. In response to this community feedback, Hickok Homes revised its plans. The project was reduced to 69 units, the north side of the building was set back 30 feet from the property line to create more distance from neighboring homes, green space and evergreen trees were added for buffering, and north-facing balconies were removed and replaced with decorative “Juliet” balconies.
Regarding development incentives for this specific Hickok Homes project, initial applications filed in April 2025 specified that no incentives would be sought. However, a real estate attorney representing the developers later indicated in a community meeting in June 2025 that financial incentives might be sought if the city approves the plans, a common practice for projects that include parking structures. This ongoing conversation highlights the careful considerations involved in balancing developer needs with public interest and the role of dialogue in shaping successful urban projects.
The Benefits of Balanced Growth and Private Enterprise
The evolution of projects like the Hickok Homes apartments underscores the importance of a transparent and responsive development process that includes community engagement. While public incentives can be a catalyst for challenging or large-scale developments, the entrepreneurial drive of firms like Hickok-Dible is the fundamental engine of growth. Their willingness to invest privately, adapt designs based on feedback, and navigate regulatory frameworks demonstrates the resilience inherent in Kansas City small business and the broader Midlands economic growth. Striking the right balance between supporting private investment and addressing community concerns is crucial for sustainable urban development.
The continued growth on 39th Street, fueled by dedicated local developers and the strategic vision of organizations like KCATA, signals a promising future for Kansas City. These endeavors contribute to a dynamic urban core, offering new housing options and strengthening local commerce. Encouraging entrepreneurial innovation and streamlined processes remains key to unlocking further potential.
Kansas City’s economic landscape is continually shaped by the determination of its business leaders and the engaged participation of its citizens. Supporting local businesses and staying informed about urban development are vital ways to contribute to the city’s future prosperity. These projects are not just about buildings; they are about fostering thriving communities and expanding opportunities for all Kansas Citians.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Hickok Homes project on 39th Street?
- The Hickok Homes project is a proposed four-story, 69-unit apartment building located at 3825 Roanoke Road, off West 39th Street in Kansas City, MO, across from the Loretto building.
- Who is Hickok Homes?
- Hickok Homes is a branch of Hickok-Dible, Kansas City’s oldest existing real estate development company, founded in 1904.
- What is KCATA’s role in local development?
- The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) has a development arm that promotes transit-oriented development (TOD) to increase transit ridership, generate revenue, and improve quality of life by integrating transit with retail, office, and residential projects.
- Did the Hickok Homes project receive incentives from KCATA?
- Initial applications for the Hickok Homes project at 3825 Roanoke Road, filed in April 2025, specified that no incentives would be sought. However, a real estate attorney for the developers suggested in a community meeting in June 2025 that financial incentives may be sought if the city approves the plans.
- What were the community concerns about the Hickok Homes project?
- Neighborhood residents expressed concerns about the project’s density, traffic safety, and its fit within the existing neighborhood character.
- How did Hickok Homes address community concerns?
- Hickok Homes revised its plans by reducing the number of units to 69, setting back the north side of the building 30 feet, adding green space and evergreen trees for buffering, and replacing north-facing balconies with decorative “Juliet” balconies.
Key Features of the Hickok Homes 39th Street Project
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Developer | Hickok Homes (part of Hickok-Dible, Kansas City’s oldest real estate developer) |
| Location | 3825 Roanoke Road, off West 39th Street, Kansas City, MO (across from the Loretto building) |
| Project Type | Four-story apartment building with ground-floor commercial space |
| Number of Units | 69 (revised from initial proposals) |
| Unit Types | Mostly studio and one-bedroom, with some two-bedroom options |
| Parking | Garage parking |
| Incentive Status | Initial applications stated no incentives would be sought; later suggested that financial incentives may be sought if city approves plans |
| Community Engagement | Significant dialogue with neighborhood residents led to design revisions |
| Key Revisions | Reduced units, increased setback on north side, added green space, removed north-facing balconies |
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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.
