The Blenheim School in Kansas City, Missouri has been closed since 2009. Built in 1924, the shuttered school is now set to become 52 affordable apartments for seniors 55 and older, thanks to Sunflower Development Group.
The Missouri Housing Development Commission awarded low-income tax credits to the developer. Sunflower also secured historic tax credits since Blenheim is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The target date to open is Fall 2018. In the next 45 days, Sunflower hopes to begin the redevelopment. Rents at the Blenheim community will range from $415 to $635 a month. Floorplans include an efficiency and one and two bedroom apartments.
LISC provided the predevelopment loan to get the ball rolling. LISC Senior Program Officer for Community Development and Lending, Steve Weatherford told 41 Action News, "We've actually done a similar project on the Faxon School."