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CBKC announces The Rochester, a new multi-family development in KC opportunity zone

Since 1991, Community Builders of Kansas City (CBKC) has been reviving Kansas City’s Blue Parkway corridor through commercial and residential development. We’re proud to be part of their newest planned development.

The Rochester is the newest addition to CBKC’s Blue Parkway campus and is a 64-unit multifamily development totaling more than 80,000 square feet. It is also one of the first projects announced in a Kansas City-area Opportunity Zone, and the first market-rate multifamily development east of Prospect Avenue.

“The Rochester brings a residential option to this corridor that does not now exist,” said CBKC President and CEO Emmet Pierson, Jr. “This residential development marks the first of a number of projects CBKC has planned along the Blue Parkway corridor and throughout the east side.”

The Rochester is named after CBKC’s late founder Rochester “Chuck” Gaston. Gaston grew up on the city’s east side and brought his passion for community development to multiple professional ventures. In addition to CBKC, Gaston founded a not-for-profit that provided job training, and worked with multiple citywide programs to support low-income families and feed community growth. He spent his career literally building communities.

As our team worked through design, they were inspired by Chuck Gaston’s legacy. He was both resilient and joyful, a perpetual optimist whose greatest achievements centered around community development. Chuck’s strength, resilience and friendly spirit inspired every aspect of design. The building’s angular form establishes a powerful presence along the Blue Parkway corridor. Community spaces, including a rooftop lounge and deck, form gathering space for the tenants and surrounding neighborhood. Once inside, visitors are greeted by a warm, welcoming environment reflective of Chuck’s vibrant personality.

“Hufft is fortunate to be working with such a knowledgeable and driven group as CBKC,” shared Jeff Kloch, Principal in Charge. “We are excited to be involved in a project that will help provide better equity in services throughout our city.”

Straub Construction is the general contractor, and construction is planned to kick off later this year. Artin, Custom Engineering, FSC and Taliaferro & Browne are engineering consultants, and Land3 is providing landscape design.