Greenwood Senior Apartments Spark Renewal in Kansas City
Kansas City’s east side is celebrating a significant step forward in community development with the opening of the Greenwood Senior Apartments. This brand-new, 49-unit complex provides much-needed affordable housing for seniors, transforming a long-vacant school site into a vibrant living space.
From School Site to Senior Haven
The journey of the Greenwood Senior Apartments site at East 27th Street and Cleveland Avenue is one of thoughtful repurposing. What once stood as the Greenwood School, a public institution that closed its doors in 1997 and was eventually demolished in 2019, has been reimagined.
Fulson Housing Group, led by Kansas City native Matt Fulson, took on the challenge of developing the three-story building. Fulson expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the revitalization of his home city’s east side.
A Look Inside the New Apartments
The 49 units within the Greenwood Senior Apartments offer a mix of one- and two-bedroom layouts. A key feature is their accessibility: most units are designated for residents with lower incomes, with rent adjusted based on income and assistance programs. A smaller number of units are available at market rates.
Residents will enjoy a range of amenities designed to foster community and well-being. These include inviting gathering spaces, a dedicated community room for events, a convenient computer lounge, and a creative crafts room.
Community Impact and Vision
This project is more than just a building; it represents a commitment to community needs and strategic urban renewal. City Council member Melissa Patterson Hazley for the Third District At-Large highlighted the pressing need for clean, vibrant, and beautiful living spaces for seniors in the area.
The development also aligns with broader efforts by Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS) to repurpose approximately 30 former school sites after closures. The Greenwood Senior Apartments serve as a successful model for transforming these vacant properties into community assets, an approach that has seen over 20 former district properties already sold for new uses.
Project Highlights: Before vs. After
| Feature | Former Greenwood School Site (Before) | Greenwood Senior Apartments (After) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Public school (closed 1997) | Affordable and market-rate senior housing |
| Site Status | Demolished 2019, vacant lot | 49-unit, three-story building (opened November 2025) |
| Community Benefit | Historical educational facility | Addresses senior housing shortage, local revitalization |
Funding and Future Benefits
The Greenwood Senior Apartments project received substantial public backing, including vital tax credits and financial support from the city’s Housing Trust Fund. Furthermore, as part of the agreement with the school district, the developer committed to contributing to neighborhood funds. These funds are earmarked for supporting future community projects and home rehabilitation efforts, ensuring long-term benefits beyond the apartment complex itself.
A heartwarming personal note came from project manager Nakhi Norwood, who shared that the development reached a “full circle moment” when he was able to move his own grandmother into one of the new units.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the new development in Kansas City?
It’s the Greenwood Senior Apartments, a 49-unit affordable housing complex for seniors. - Where are the Greenwood Senior Apartments located?
They are situated at East 27th Street and Cleveland Avenue in Kansas City’s South Round Top neighborhood. - What was on this site before?
The site was formerly home to the Greenwood School, which closed in 1997 and was demolished in 2019. - Are the apartments affordable?
Yes, most units are geared towards lower-income residents with rent based on income, while some are market rate. - Who developed the project?
The project was developed by Fulson Housing Group, founded by Matt Fulson.
The successful opening of the Greenwood Senior Apartments serves as a bright example of how community-focused development can breathe new life into neighborhoods, transforming underutilized spaces into essential resources for Kansas City residents.
Greenwood Senior Apartments Spark Kansas City Renewal
