215 W. Pershing to be converted to residential

[KCMax]

Union Station-area building goes under contract

Jeff Kembel of NAI Capital Realty confirmed that the 10-story building at 215 W. Pershing Road is under contract to buyers who plan to convert part of it into residential apartments. He declined to disclose the buyers’ identity, but sources said Jason Swords, managing member of Sunflower Development Group LLC, is involved in the transaction.

[FangKC]

Converting a portion of this building to residential makes a lot of sense. When built, the structure was designed so that it could be converted into a hotel at some point. The first tenant was the Sweeney Automobile, Tractor. and Aviation School. Businessman's Assurance later occupied the building for many years.

http://kchistory.org/cdm4/item_viewer.p ... OX=1&REC=7

[brewcrew1000]

Is Portfolio Kitchen & Home still located in this building?

[KCtonic]

If this happens, that would mean two of the buildings I've worked in were converted to loft apartments. Worked there in 1992 for a company owned by Mr. Riss (as in Riss Lake). Riss had a decent amount of space on the top floor for his "office" which was outfitted with a living-room-like space with full bath, bar and I think even a murphy bed.

[KCtonic]

Is Portfolio Kitchen & Home still located in this building?

I believe so. At least it was a few months ago.

[KCMax]

If this happens, that would mean two of the buildings I've worked in were converted to loft apartments. Worked there in 1992 for a company owned by Mr. Riss (as in Riss Lake). Riss had a decent amount of space on the top floor for his "office" which was outfitted with a living-room-like space with full bath, bar and I think even a murphy bed.

Wow. My dad worked there too in the 80s. Remember visiting him with that huge room of computers.

Yes, Portfolio is still there.

[rxlexi]

great news if this goes through. I always thought this building would make a perfect hotel, but residential use might be even better for the area. The Pershing is a very elegant counterpoint to Union Station, really hope to see if come to life.

[flyingember]

great news if this goes through. I always thought this building would make a perfect hotel, but residential use might be even better for the area. The Pershing is a very elegant counterpoint to Union Station, really hope to see if come to life.

I like it for residential

look at the area around it. what's needed is a reason to drive non-residential growth on the southern side of downtown. There's plenty of office space which leaves retail.

there's already two residential spaces nearby and the office space is going upscale along Pennway

This spot is strange though. It has poor access to the crossroads and to the westside. I could see this merging more with the westside since it has better pedestrian access. and anything that can bring more services to the area south of the terminal rr would be nice.

[earthling]

Developer Mike Rainen has a contract to purchase the 10-story building at 215 W. Pershing Rd. a preliminary plan calls for the upper five floors to be converted to 55 apartments.

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2013/07/10/43 ... rylink=cpy

http://www.kansascity.com/2013/07/10/43 ... lding.html

[KCMax]

TIF helps put Union Station-area building on track for $18M makeover

[flyingember]

I totally don't get the spot for residential, but it's good to see interest in the building

[FangKC]

I wonder if that building has asbestos in it?

[chaglang]

It's more that 40 years old, so it probably does.

[mgh7676]

Just stumbled on this drawing of the 215 Pershing building. Interesting, I guess.

http://www.tompkinsarchitects.com/#!215 ... fices/crhd

and another,

http://www.tompkinsarchitects.com/#!215 ... ondos/c76d

[FangKC]

I have no problem with this addition.

I wonder if it will happen, or was just an experiment?

[mgh7676]

I'm guessing it was just an experiment, but who knows. One is listed as offices and the other condos...hasn't the building since been confirmed as residential?

[flyingember]

I'm guessing it was just an experiment, but who knows. One is listed as offices and the other condos...hasn't the building since been confirmed as residential?

read backwards in the thread for the timeline, it's unlikely it's finished

[FangKC]

215 W. Pershing has received state approval to advance towards historic designation required for use of tax credits for renovation.

Other Kansas City properties nominated for the National Register of Historic Places and receiving state approval on Friday were:

• The Sweeny Automobile and Tractor School Building, 215 W. Pershing Road

http://tinyurl.com/o8y97z9

[KCDowntown]

First permit I've seen related to this developnment. I believe that it is for a work elevator on the outside of the building. A couple of weeks ago a tenant finish permit came across for UMKC renovating the 5th floor if I remember correctly as well.

KCDowntown