Kansas City, Missouri – Earlier this week, city officials and community leaders gathered at the historic intersection of 18th Street and The Paseo Boulevard to celebrate a new chapter in Kansas City’s famous Jazz District. The Parker Apartments, a project aiming to combine cultural legacy with modern living, had their ceremonial first shovel of dirt on Monday, May 5, 2025.
Mayor Lucas and a number of current and previous council members joined Jazz District III representatives, neighborhood activists, and other dignitaries. They jointly revealed the name of the building—The Parker—a tribute to the towering heritage of saxophone genius Charlie “Bird” Parker, whose tunes once permeated the air along these exact streets.
“This project is about more than buildings—it’s about honoring history, sticking to the vision, and showing up when it’s your turn. Years ago, as Vice Chair of CCED, I supported this plan. I didn’t know I’d be helping break ground on it as a City Councilperson—but that’s the power of continuity and community. Congratulations to Kelvin Simmons on this monumental moment,” said 3rd District at Large Council Member, Melissa Patterson Hazley.
What Hazley called “continuity in action” was on full display. A combination of municipal and federal programs has committed over $7.8 million in public money: $4 million from Central City Economic Development, almost $1.85 million from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, $1 million via the HOME Partnership Program, and $950,000 from Community Development Block Grants. Paired with private investment, these funds provide the financial foundation for fairly transforming this part of the city.
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A network of collaborators working behind the scenes has stood up to bring The Parker to life: general contractor Straub, architectural design leaders Rosemann & Associates and Helix, engineering overseers Taliaferro and Browne, and two law firms—Hardwick Law and Benton, Loyd & Chung—offering legal advice. The team is rounded out by McCormack Development, 18th & Vine Development LLC, and Avenir Group of Kelvin Simmons.
Crews on the ground will renovate the famous House of Hits, pouring new life into its brick-and-mortar walls. Rising next to two new mixed-use structures will be street-level stores to stimulate pedestrian activity. Altogether, 48 units of mixed-income housing will welcome families, artists, and professionals looking for a home in this lively area.
Jazz District III wants to do more than just house apartments; with almost 10,000 square feet set aside for stores, cafés, and studios, it aspires to foster daily living honoring the musical legacy of the region. Planners see weekend foot parades of jazz lovers, local businesses establishing pop-ups, and fresh foot traffic combining the ancient with the modern.
City officials think The Parker will anchor a rejuvenated area where music, memory, and modern city living harmony for centuries yet to come by protecting historic buildings and providing new attractions.
