On this crisp Fall morning just East of Troost Avenue, partners donned hardhats and brandished shovels to begin a truly transformative development for Kansas City.
State and Municipal leaders including Mayor Quinton Lucas and City Manager Brian Platt joined other public and private partners to break ground for The Mabion—a 57 unit affordable housing community.
The Mabion is a partnership between the Bethlehem Kingdom Center, social services agency SAVE Inc. and co–developers of affordable housing The Nash Group and The Vecino Group, and—once completed—will bring affordable homes as well as permanent supportive housing to the Beacon Hill community.
“This is a major milestone for our church—but even more so the broader community,” said Bethlehem Kingdom Pastor Ray Mabion II, whose church is an owner/partner and secured the land for the development. “Our vision is that we aren’t simply a place of worship, we are here to help build up people. This development will allow us to do just that in a most impactful way for those in our community that are in need.”
Located at the corner of Forest Avenue and East 28th Street, the development will deliver an all-new four-story building that will provide a total of 57 affordable units in a mix of 1-Bed, 2-Bed and 3-Bed apartments. The ground level of The Mabion will host community rooms, services and management offices, while the grounds will have outdoor greenspaces for full tenant enjoyment.
The community includes 11 units set for families exiting homelessness, and SAVE Inc. will provide on-site supportive services for residents, which will also include SOAR-trained staff to assist residents with benefits, a community health care worker via partnership with KC Free Health Clinic, mental health services via referral to University Health, as well as life skills classes, recreational activities, transportation assistance, job training/searches, and direct case management provided.
“We have had success in delivering supportive housing for Missouri communities where it matters most,” said Rick Manzardo, Vecino Group Chairman. “Through the continued support of MHDC and the City, as well as The Nash Group and all our community partners across KC, we’re able to continue helping families thrive.”
“Through our partnerships, we are able to further extend our reach to the community,” said Patrick McLaughlin, CEO of SAVE, Inc. “with Bethlehem Kingdom, local health and municipal partners, The Nash Group and—once again—The Vecino Group we can have a profoundly positive impact on lives of our Kansas Citians.
Vecino Design facilitated design and engineering for the development, while Vecino Construction will be General Contractor over the 17-month construction build.
“Throughout our months-long planning process, there’s been great communication among all partners—including the City and the neighborhood—which really helps things to start smoothly,” said Scott Stanley, Senior Project Manager of Vecino Construction who will oversee The Mabion. “That’s key to delivering a successful build, especially where our construction teams are concerned.”
The $19.3 million development was made possible through tax credit support and HOME funds from Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC), a Community Development Block Grant and HOME funds from the City of KC, Kansas City Housing Trust Fund, Construction and Loan from Bank of America, Permanent Loan from Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust and and Tax Credit Syndication from Raymond James and Sugar Creek Capital.
The Mabion is set for completion by the first quarter of 2026.
