The University of Missouri-Kansas City has entered into an agreement to sell 10 UMKC-owned properties south of the Volker Campus to CORE Urban Renew, a Kansas City-based developer specializing in the renovation and creation of high-quality, market-rate housing. The agreement is part of UMKC’s plan to return these homes to owner-occupied use.
In April 2024, the university issued a request for proposals for a pilot program of 10 properties to begin revitalizing its holdings in the Rockhill Crest neighborhood, which generally spans the area of 53rd Street south to 54th Street and Harrison Street east to Troost Avenue.
Karen Reilly and Steve Cook, the partners of CORE Urban Renew, are looking forward to getting started on the revitalization of the century-year-old houses. Each brings both personal and professional experience to the project that gives them a deep understanding of what it takes to successfully return properties like these to stable, owner-occupied use. In addition to living in nearby neighborhoods in older homes, they have led multiple redevelopment efforts involving century-old houses, restoring and repositioning them as high-quality, single-family homes.
The CORE Urban Renew team will lead comprehensive, top-to-bottom restorations of the century-old houses — upgrading structural systems and modernizing interior layouts and finishes while carefully preserving the historic character and architectural details that define the Rockhill Crest neighborhood. “Everything in the homes will be touched inside and outside with energy efficiency and curb-appeal enhancements,” Reilly said.
This is a partnership built on a shared vision and mutual trust among UMKC, our neighbors and CORE Urban Renew,” said Troy Bruun, UMKC vice chancellor of finance and administration. “These homes will contribute to a thriving, welcoming, owner-occupied neighborhood that will benefit all involved.”
Over the years, UMKC supporters have purchased or donated homes immediately south of the Volker Campus. The university contracts with a property management company to maintain and lease these properties. UMKC has long engaged neighbors about the area, and in 2023 began more focused conversations with the UMKC Neighborhood Advisory Council on the development of a potential RFP to address the future of the properties. Neighbors’ input helped shape the RFP’s language and reinforced the shared goal of returning the properties to stable, owner-occupied housing. As with any older homes, many of these properties now require significant repair, and this new solution of returning them to owner-occupied homes is a positive one for neighbors.
“I love the vitality and variety in my UMKC neighborhood, and I applaud the university’s efforts to strengthen and stabilize the area through its focus on selling homes to families,” said Pat Gallagher, Rockhill Crest representative on the UMKC Neighborhood Advisory Council. “I’m sure all residents of Rockhill Crest are appreciative of the university’s thoughtful and careful approach to property sales that benefit buyers, neighbors and the entire university community.”
