Spring 2023

Luxurious Leasing

Rental properties take design and lifestyle to new levels—and captivate renters of all ages and means.

Words by Megan Felling

T

he choice to buy a home or rent an apartment looks different than it used to. It’s always been based on lifestyle preference, finances and goals, but in recent years, multifamily communities have upped the ante with high-end finishes and resort-like amenities more akin to five-star hotels than temporary digs. Moreover, the attractiveness of lock-and-leave convenience is drawing in people who previously owned a home but desire the freedom and flexibility of apartment living.

After becoming empty-nesters, Jim and Tracy M. chose to rent in order to avoid the maintenance and regular upkeep necessary in an older home. “We love it. It’s great to have maintenance included. We have the freedom to travel more. We just lock the door, board the dog and go,” Tracy says, adding, “We have plenty of space, it’s a corner unit with lots of windows and a big deck with a grill. There is a nice clubhouse and pool, which we enjoy using with some of our neighbors who have become friends.”

A convenient location, close proximity to shops and on-site amenities make today’s communities a destination where people can work, play and relax all in one place. Similarly, some of the most popular older neighborhoods like Brookside and Prairie Village are within walking distance of shops, grocery stores, restaurants and entertainment. “We are creating old neighborhoods out of new construction,” says Jon Dilley of DRAW Architecture + Urban Design.

Bill Prelogar, principal architect with NSPJ Architects, has noticed that many people in the multifamily target market of Gen Z young professionals are college-educated but are graduating with high debt. They might not be able to afford to purchase a home, yet they still desire a nice place and entertainment options. He says the extensive amenities offered at many properties are key to their popularity.

“They draw people out of their apartment and into the common areas, and provide a place for people to gather and build friendships,” he says.

He also stays in touch with management companies after the build to see which amenities resonate most with renters. “We get to see what amenities were popular and got used the most so we can make adjustments going forward with new projects,” he adds.

Some of the metro’s newest, coolest apartment opportunities:

Arte KC

Crossroads Arts District
www.artekcbyavanti.com

The development utilizes an existing warehouse structure and feel, capitalizing on its authentic neighborhood character. The four residential buildings complement one another architecturally and share unique amenities, such as a pool with a sundeck, a fitness center and yoga studio, a resident lounge, co-working space and a rotating art gallery.

DRAW Architecture + Urban Design designed more than 30 unique studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments. Marketing director Jon Dilley says that the amenities are essential to planning a community. “It’s about whether there is a place to take the dog out or go for dinner, and whether it’s close to galleries and breweries,” he says. “Today, we are creating a situation where the lifestyle is an amenity in itself. The post-pandemic lifestyle is the old style of living, where everything is within arms’ reach. People are staying in a small radius.”

He also emphasizes the sustainability factor of the adaptive reuse of existing buildings and finishes. DRAW specializes in these features. “We aim to create a home that not only looks good but is designed with sustainability in mind,” he says.

Blume

61st and Nieman Road, Shawnee
www.blumeshawnee.com

Designed by Clockwork Architecture+Design and built by renowned custom home builder Cardinal Crest, Blume is ideal for those looking to balance their work life and home life. With two-bedroom apartments and two-story townhouses located above first-floor office suites, working from home has never been easier, yet the separate space allows residents to close the door and go home for the night. The European-style, mixed-use vertical units include luxurious high-end finishes, vaulted ceilings and attached garages.

Designer Jeff Windmeyer of Clockwork says the developer found “the missing middle” between typical apartment living and high-end homes, targeting young professionals looking to have their own space or perhaps start a business.

“In the post-COVID world, so many people are now working from home and need that extra space,” he notes. “It’s a very walkable community with a private dog park, public trail and close proximity to downtown Shawnee’s restaurants and coffee shops.”

CORE

Berkley Riverfront
www.corekc.com

Residents are drawn to the vibrant location at the Berkley Riverfront Park, near City Market and the Power & Light District. The Bar K dog park is within walking distance in this pedestrian-friendly area. A full slate of resort-style amenities includes a heated saltwater pool with swim-up bar, a fitness center with yoga and spin studio, a rock climbing wall, an indoor sports simulator, pickleball and bocce ball courts, an on-site coffee shop and a rooftop lounge.

Designed by NSPJ Architects, the apartments feature industrial, free-flowing space with high ceilings, picture windows with downtown views and custom cabinetry with quartz countertops. Layouts include studio, one bedroom, one bedroom with study, two-bedroom apartment homes and lofts.

NSPJ’s Bill Prelogar notes that “in the last few years, all the multifamily projects we have worked on have included work-from-home spaces, both in the apartment and as part of the overall clubhouse package. The one-bedroom plus study layout has become popular for this purpose.”

Immediate occupancy is available in select layouts. Residents could be the first occupants in many of these newly constructed units.

Designed by NSPJ Architects, the apartments feature industrial, free-flowing space with high ceilings, picture windows with downtown views and custom cabinetry with quartz countertops. Layouts include studio, one bedroom, one bedroom with study, two-bedroom apartment homes and lofts.

NSPJ’s Bill Prelogar notes that “in the last few years, all the multifamily projects we have worked on have included work-from-home spaces, both in the apartment and as part of the overall clubhouse package. The one-bedroom plus study layout has become popular for this purpose.”

Immediate occupancy is available in select layouts. Residents could be the first occupants in many of these newly constructed units.

The Donovan

Chipman and Ward Roads, Lee’s Summit
www.thedonovankc.com

Also designed by NSPJ Architects, these modern one- and two-bedroom apartment homes are located minutes from shopping and dining, yet residents don’t have to leave the property for entertainment. Exceptional amenities include two waterfall ponds with an exercise deck, a resort-style saltwater pool, grotto and meditation spa, a 24-hour cardio blast fitness center, a 16-foot rock climbing wall and a yoga studio.

“At the Donovan, we incorporated places to gather—around the pool, bbq grills and fire pits,” Bill adds.

Parking is also an important factor for potential residents. A variety of parking options including detached and attached garages, as well as surface parking, are offered. High-end finishes, floor-to-ceiling windows, and oversized patios and balconies beckon residents to make themselves at home.

One, Two, and Three Light

Downtown
onelightkc.com / twolightkc.com / threelightkc.com

Developed by The Cordish Companies, these three shimmering glass and steel towers are featured beacons of KC’s revitalized downtown. For those looking for an urban setting, the locations are unmatched.

Each building also has hospitality staff that curates weekly resident events. Also common to all three buildings is ample amenity space designed to encourage a social environment as well as provide the necessary nooks for privacy or working outside of each apartment.

Rising 25 stories, One Light was one of the first high-rise residential buildings to be built downtown in many years. Featuring resort-inspired amenities and hospitality-influenced service, renting here is a luxury-living experience. Residents can relax at the 20,000-square-foot rooftop pool and large poolside bar with swim-up service, or retreat to their home with designer finishes and a gourmet kitchen. Floor plans include one- and two-bedroom apartments and penthouse residences.

Two Light offers VIP access to the best of everything downtown. Designed with meticulous attention to detail, it features resort-quality amenities, including an infinity-edge pool, an indoor spa and a full-service indoor-outdoor bar. Floor plan options encompass one- and two-bedroom apartment homes and penthouse residences, each crafted with fine finishes.

Three Light is the newest landmark tower, providing panoramic views of the skyline. It celebrates Kansas City’s vibrant musical heritage. Currently under construction, the estimated completion date is September 2023. Management is leasing now for fall occupancy.

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