Kansas City, Missouri – Swope Health, a key provider of healthcare services in the Kansas City area, is excited to announce the launch of a new 12-acre development known as Swope Health Village. Located on the 5900 block of Swope Parkway, the campus is designed as a modern living area that includes affordable homes, a range of health services, mental health support, elderly care, community gardens, and a community center. Swope Health Village aims to be Missouri’s first intentionally designed community focused on improving health and reducing economic and health inequalities.
The new village will be built on the site of the former Swope Ridge Geriatric Center, which operated there for 65 years until its closure in early 2022. The vision for the site includes transforming it and surrounding areas into a vibrant community hub with facilities for social gatherings, classes, sports, and family activities. To aid in the development of this ambitious project, the City of Kansas City has committed up to $5 million.
“Every Kansas Citian deserves access to resources, amenities and neighborhoods that prioritize health, wellness and an improved quality of life,” said Mayor Pro Tem Ryana Parks-Shaw, who represents the 5th City Council District of Kansas City. “I am proud of the work that Swope Health has done and will continue doing through this development to impact more favorable outcomes related to the social drivers of health. The City of Kansas City is eager to support and partner with them in this work.”
Swope Health Village is set to include 200 affordable housing units for seniors and 75 units dedicated to mental health, supported by comprehensive services. The plan also features 15 apartments tailored for participants in Swope Health’s Programs of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE KC). Additionally, the project will expand the Kansas City Health Department’s services with a new office and introduce 10 beds specifically for substance abuse treatment, in partnership with the Kansas City court system. This development will also host office and retail spaces.
Designed as a purpose-built community, Swope Health Village aims to provide affordable, quality housing that enhances the neighborhood by promoting a community-centered lifestyle focused on health and well-being. This initiative is expected to spur economic growth in the area through significant capital investments and job creation. With an anticipated $100 million invested in facilities and services, the project is forecasted to generate 80 to 90 construction jobs and several healthcare positions, marking one of the most substantial investments in the East Side in years.
Demolition on the site began in January 2024, with construction projected to start early 2025. Swope Health is collaborating with architectural firms Perkins Eastman, HFG Architecture, and Moody Nolan for the master planning and design, while McCownGordon Construction has been named the general contractor. Plans for future phases involve partnering with a developer.
Supporting this venture, Swope Health has secured a $7.5 million capital improvement grant from the State of Missouri, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. Additionally, a capital campaign is being launched to gather more funds needed for construction and program activation.
Read also: South Loop project nears funding goal with $129.2 million raised, aims for 2026 World Cup deadline
“We are extremely grateful for the City’s vote of confidence in Swope Health Village,” said Swope Health President and CEO Jeron Ravin, J.D. “We have served this neighborhood for 55 years and will continue to honor our strong connections by being wise stewards of these investments. In all that we do, we remain steadfastly committed to the cause of health equity and access for everyone.”
