31st and Troost Housing

Information

Location Kansas City, Missouri
Services Architecture
Project Type Residential

BNIM worked with Urban Neighborhood Initiative (UNI) to develop a proposal for a non-profit, mixed-income cooperative housing proposal at 31st and Troost in Kansas City, MO, that incorporated social services and created a new model for residents. In the area’s development plan, affordable and innovative housing was a high priority for residents and the city as a whole. The proposal at the corner of 31st and Troost included almost 100 living units, ranging from studios to two-bedroom units. Using HUD’s cooperative lending program and philanthropic and grant fundraising, the project model created 40% affordable units at low-income and moderate-income levels, in addition to market-rate. Residents would build equity through their down and monthly payments, eventually owning the building and deciding on its operations. Working with CHES, Inc., the team would develop a pipeline of residents of all income
levels, sharing knowledge of the cooperative model and its benefits. This project concept demonstrates new ways for housing to be affordable, mixed-income, build resident equity, and contribute to the broader community.

Impact + Innovation

Using HUD’s cooperative lending program and philanthropic and grant fundraising, 31st and Troost Housing project was designed to create 40% affordable units at low-income and moderate-income levels in addition to market-rate. It was envisioned for residents to build equity through their down and monthly payments and eventually own the building, deciding on its operations. Working with CHES, Inc., the design team planned to develop a pipeline of residents of all income levels and ensure they were knowledgeable about the cooperative model and its benefits. This project proposal, using traditional and long-standing federal lending, is an example of how bringing together the right partners and ideas could create new ways for housing to be affordable, mixed-income, build resident equity, and contribute to the broader community. BNIM’s address initiative continues to explore different ways of creating housing that supports residents and the community.