Saint Luke’s Foundation Announces Plan to Revitalize Plaza Westport Neighborhood with Thirty New Single Family Homes
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — November 13, 2018 - The Saint Luke’s Foundation announced today plans to begin construction on thirty new single-family homes designed to enhance and revitalize the neighborhood that sits just west of Saint Luke’s Hospital and south of Saint Luke’s Bishop Spencer Place between 44th and 45th Streets. The homes will feature state of the art amenities and modern conveniences while still reflecting the classic arts and craftsman style of the area and are designed to attract families and working professionals who will invest and contribute to the local community.
The properties are part of new development by Westport Today, LLC, a subsidiary of the Saint Luke’s Foundation, whose aim has been to promote renovation and renewal in the neighborhood. The homes’ location—a pedestrian neighborhood with easy access to the Plaza, art museums, restaurants, shops, and Saint Luke’s Hospital, makes them an excellent option for home buyers.
“The goal of this project is to enhance the nearby neighborhood which already has so much to offer,” said Michael VanDerhoef, Saint Luke’s Health System Senior Vice President, Development and Saint Luke’s Foundation Chief Executive Officer. “One of the best ways to do this is to attract homeowners who have a vested interest in being a part of this wonderful and historic neighborhood. Saint Luke’s Foundation is proud to be able to invest in our local neighborhood and in Kansas City in this way.”
Construction is expected to begin in December with the entire development completed in 24-36 months. Mission Farms developer, Doug Weltner, has been signed to oversee the five-block project which will be completed in phases beginning at 45th street. The 1900 square foot homes will feature the latest finishes while offering homeowners desired modern conveniences such as off-street parking with a two car garage on the basement level of the home, and private outdoor space.
The Saint Luke’s Foundation will be establishing a sales center in the Plaza Reece & Nichols office for interested home buyers in the next 60 days. Proceeds from the sale of the homes will be reinvested in Westport Today’s initiatives to enhance neighborhood development and Saint Luke’s Foundation programs.
Westport Today is a subsidiary of Saint Luke’s Foundation, which supports not-for-profit Saint Luke’s Hospital and Saint Luke’s Health System. The Foundation added the real estate component to its operations in 1998 when it received a historic charitable gift of 93 Westport Today area properties from the Miller Nichols Charitable Foundation and Miller Nichols Living Trust. The Nichols family chose Saint Luke’s like a conscientious neighbor who would be committed to maintaining the area, assuring a vibrant neighborhood in which to fulfill the hospital’s health care mission.
Saint Luke’s Foundation
Saint Luke’s Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization whose purpose is to secure charitable support for Saint Luke’s Hospital and Saint Luke’s Health System, including medical and nursing education, clinical research, community service initiatives, and medical programs.
Saint Luke’s Hospital
Saint Luke’s Hospital is a member of Saint Luke’s Health System consists of 16 area hospitals and campuses as well as dozens of primary and specialty care practices and provides a full range of inpatient, outpatient, and home care services. Founded as a faith-based, not-for-profit organization, our mission includes a commitment to the highest levels of excellence in health care and the advancement of medical research and education. The health system is an aligned organization in which the physicians and hospitals assume responsibility for enhancing the physical, mental, and spiritual health of people in the metropolitan Kansas City area and the surrounding region.
