For Immediate Release: May 8, 2025

On Monday, May 5, 2025, city leaders, current and former city council members, representatives from Jazz District III, and other dignitaries gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of The Parker Apartments—a transformative new development at the historic southwest corner of 18th Street and The Paseo Boulevard.

At the event, Jazz District III officially unveiled the name of the development: The Parker. The name pays tribute to legendary saxophonist Charlie "Bird" Parker, honoring his lasting influence on the cultural legacy of the district.

This project is about more than buildings—it’s about honoring history, sticking to the vision, and showing up when it’s your turn. Years ago, as Vice Chair of CCED, I supported this plan. I didn’t know I’d be helping break ground on it as a City Councilperson—but that’s the power of continuity and community. Congratulations to Kelvin Simmons on this monumental moment, said 3rd District at Large Council Member, Melissa Patterson Hazley.

Backed by significant public and private investment, the development supports Kansas City’s vision for equitable neighborhood revitalization. This project also received funding from a number of sources including the following from Kansas City Housing and Community Development Programs:

• Central City Economic Development (CCED) $4,000,000.00
• Affordable Housing Trust Fund (HTF) $1,850,000.00
• The Home Partnership Program (HOME) $1,000,000.00
• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) $950,000.00

Government agencies, not-for-profit partners, as well as developers and contractors all contributed to make this happen. Including:

• KCATA 
• LIHTC - MHDC & HUD 
• LISC

Development Partners:

• General Contractor - Straub
• Architecture- Rosemann & Associates
• Architecture- Helix
• Engineering- Taliaferro and Browne
• Legal- Hardwick Law Firm
• Legal - Benton, Loyd & Chung
• McCormack Development 
• 18th & Vine Development LLC 
•  Avenir Group (Kelvin Simmons)

This new development  will breathe new life into the historic Jazz District through the renovation of the legendary House of Hits building, the construction of two new mixed-use buildings with street-level retail, and 48 units of high-quality, mixed-income housing.

With a pedestrian-oriented design and over 10,000 square feet of commercial space, Jazz District III promises to enhance community life, attract tourism, and preserve the cultural legacy of this historic neighborhood for generations to come.