When everyone in the neighborhood comes together around a transformative vision (the Green Impact Zone) and a famous Missouri native brings his mega-watt star power to shine a light on a dark and abandoned school building east of Troost, the future is so bright you might need shades.
Jason Parson Arrives at the Bancroft School for the News Conference
Tim Duggan, who first worked with Brad Pitt in New Orleans when BNIM Architects helped the Make It Right Foundation design sustainable housing in the 9th Ward, was visibly glowing at the news conference to announce the $14 million project at 43rd and Tracy. Tim now represents the foundation, and he is a rising star and entrepreneur in his own right. He was featured in January’s national architectural magazine Metropolis as one of “12 Innovators You Should Know.”
Tim Duggan, Make It Right Foundation, on left. Mayor Sly James invited himself to Jason's new office--said "when is the open house!"
Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II, Mayor Sly James, and Green Impact Zone director Anita Maltbia were among the local stars who unveiled BNIM’s plans for the old school building. It will house 50 apartments, a Truman Medical Center facility, community space for the Mannheim Neighborhood Association, and a parking garage with a green roof. It will be built to LEED Platinum standards, the first major public-private project in the Green Impact Zone to claim that sustainability marker.
Anita Maltbia, David Warm, and Jermaine Reed discuss the transformative project for 43rd and Tracy
“It was great to see so many people with smiles from ear to ear, as the local, state and federal officials worked with the nonprofit and private sector to make this transformative project a reality,” said Jason Parson, Parson & Associates. “More jobs and opportunity are welcome in all neighborhoods of Kansas City, Mo., most especially in this part of the community.”
News Conference at Bancroft School
Prepare for the paparazzi to converge on Kansas City in June, when Brad Pitt is likely to attend the ribbon-cutting event east of Troost. The stars have aligned in the Green Impact Zone. Congratulations to all who worked diligently to make the Bancroft School site a bright green light for progress in our city.