Kansas City Historic Building Rezoning Advanced
The city has moved closer to redeveloping a historic five-story structure into new residential units.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Commercial
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City officials have advanced a rezoning request to transform the historic Abner Building in the West Bottoms into a mixed-use space. The proposal includes creating 25 new housing units alongside first-floor commercial space.
Why it matters
The project aims to rehabilitate a historic structure from the early 1900s, helping to preserve local architecture while addressing housing needs in the area. This redevelopment reflects broader efforts to repurpose aging industrial buildings within the city.
Located at 1409 W. 11th St. in the West Bottoms, the five-story Abner Building was originally constructed in the early 1900s. The site is positioned between Liberty Street and Hickory Street.
The players
De Jong Architecture
This architecture firm is spearheading the proposal to rezone and rehabilitate the Abner Building.
City Plan Commission
This municipal body is responsible for reviewing and recommending land use changes within Kansas City.
The details
De Jong Architecture intends to convert the site, which formerly housed the Abner Hood Chemical Company, into a residential and commercial hub. The plan features a mix of studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments.
Timeline
The Abner Building was originally constructed in the early 1900s.
City officials advanced the rezoning request on September 23, 2026.
Culture Shift
The proposal reflects the ongoing trend of adaptive reuse, where cities prioritize the rehabilitation of early-20th-century industrial sites over demolition. This approach preserves local history while transitioning former chemical storage areas into modern living spaces.
Residents may see a revitalized West Bottoms district as the project introduces new housing and ground-level commercial access. The development aims to replace a dormant building with a space that supports local daily activity.
The takeaway
Rehabilitating historic properties can provide necessary housing growth without erasing the industrial character of older neighborhoods. Residents interested in the area should monitor upcoming City Council sessions for the final approval vote.
Further reading
For more on regional real estate development, visit Kansas City Commercial.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Kansas City Star.
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Do you support converting historic industrial buildings into new housing in your community?
