Mayor Lucas, Community Leaders Celebrate Groundbreaking of Historic Parade Park Homes Revitalization

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas joined past residents, community leaders, and distinguished guests today at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Parade Park Homes redevelopment project, celebrating the beginning of a new chapter for one of America's first Black cooperative housing development.

The ceremony marked the official start of construction on the $300 million project that will transform the historic community near 18th and Vine into a mixed-income neighborhood with 1,100 affordable homes.

"We are breaking ground on a promise to honor Parade Park's extraordinary legacy while securing its future," said Mayor Lucas. "The Parade Park community has been a cornerstone of Black heritage in Kansas City, and we are committed to ensuring it remains strong for the following generations."

The redevelopment project will create a blend of senior-accessible and family homes while maintaining its commitment to former residents by guaranteeing their right to return following construction.

"The revitalization of Kansas City's East Side continues right here at Parade Park," said Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II. "This site has long been a cornerstone of Kansas City's community and a symbol of our shared history. Today's groundbreaking represents more than new housing; it represents a renewed commitment to the families who have called this neighborhood home for generations. I am proud to have helped secure federal funding for this project, and I am pleased to see federal, local, and community partners coming together to ensure this redevelopment delivers on equity, affordability, and opportunity for every resident. This is progress that honors our past and builds a stronger, brighter future."

"We celebrate that Parade Park will be available to the coming generations with much needed investment and expansion," said Councilwoman Melissa Patterson Hazley. "Hundreds of Black American families from all walks of life - working class, middle class, business owners, politicians, seniors and young families, including members of my own - got their start or retirement at Parade Park Homes. I'm thrilled to see that it'll be even more vibrant for years to come."

Following the ceremony, attendees celebrated with a community reception featuring a cookout, live entertainment, and a special presentation of commemorative bricks to Parade Park Homes residents, honoring their connection to this historic community.

"Our dedicated development team is deeply committed to delivering a truly transformative, mixed-use development that will not only revitalize the iconic and historically significant Parade Park Homes but also honor its rich legacy," said Dwayne Williams, President and CEO of Twelfth Street Heritage.

The redevelopment is being led by Twelfth Street Heritage and Flaherty & Collins, with financing from the City's Affordable Housing Trust Fund and Shared Success Fund, with additional funding possible through the Central City Economic Development Fund. The project also includes a dedicated Parade Park Homes Future Fund to sustain ongoing development and community support in subsequent phases.