Guadalupe Centers Celebrates the Grand Opening of Mixed-Income Housing for Teachers and Families in Kansas City, Missouri

KANSAS CITY, Mo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Guadalupe Centers, Inc. (GCI), along with development and financial partners, celebrated the grand opening of Villa View Apartments, a new mixed-income housing community designed for teachers and local families. Situated on the southeast corner of GCI’s Villa Guadalupe school campus at 1616 Hardesty Ave., the four-story development features 50 high-quality apartment homes, addressing the critical need for affordable housing in the Kansas City metropolitan area.

"When families have access to affordable, high-quality housing, it strengthens our neighborhoods and fuels long-term economic development in Kansas City," said Beto Lopez, President and CEO at Guadalupe Centers.

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Villa View Apartments designates 42 units as affordable housing for households earning less than 30% to 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI), with the remaining apartments offered at market rate. The development brings significant economic relief to its residents, saving families an average of $5,011 annually in housing costs compared to similar market rate housing. With Kansas City currently facing a shortage of nearly 64,000 affordable rental homes, Villa View Apartments offers a much-needed housing solution, while fostering financial stability for families and educators.

To celebrate the milestone, the grand opening featured speeches by key partners and government officials, which included KCMO City Mayor Quinton Lucas, U.S. Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, Guadalupe Centers President and CEO Beto Lopez, and UMB Director of Impact Finance Tracy Howren. The grand opening was followed by a ribbon cutting and guided property tours. All guests in attendance were provided traditional Mexican coffee and pastries, cafecito y pan dulce.

"Affordable housing is a challenge across the country. This is just one more example where Guadalupe Centers meets the needs of our families,” said Beto Lopez, President and CEO at Guadalupe Centers. “Villa View is not just about housing, it's about stability, dignity, and opportunity. When families have access to affordable, high-quality housing, it strengthens our neighborhoods and fuels long-term economic development in Kansas City."

Each of the 20 one-bedroom and 30 two-bedroom homes features fully equipped kitchens with Energy Star appliances such as a refrigerator, a stove/range, a microwave, a dishwasher, and an in-unit washer/dryer, as well as central air conditioning, ceiling fans, and coat closets. Residents also have access to several community amenities, including a business center, community room, courtyard, rooftop patio, and picnic areas. Built in compliance with Enterprise Green Communities and the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code, the property is energy efficient and fully electric.

In addition to housing, residents will benefit from a comprehensive suite of services provided free of charge by GCI which include youth education, after school programs, financial literacy, tax preparation, health screening, cultural community events, mental health counseling, job training, and food pantries.

“Hunt Capital Partners is grateful to join Guadalupe Centers in their initiative to create affordable, high-quality affordable housing to Kansas City families and local teachers,” said Amy Dickerson, COO at Hunt Capital Partners. “This collaborative effort reflects a shared commitment to addressing critical community needs and fostering a stronger, more supportive environment for those who shape our future.”

GCI partnered with Riverstone Platform Partners as co-developers to extend housing options for local families and teacher faculty nearby. The development team includes Altman-Charter Company as general contractor, Odimo as the architect of record, and Beacon Management, LLC, as the property management agent.

“UMB is proud to support this innovative development that provides teachers and local families with high quality affordable housing,” said Tracy Howren, director of impact finance at UMB Bank. “We have been honored to have the opportunity to work with Guadalupe Centers, Inc., Consolidated Housing Solutions, and Hunt Capital Partners, who have all brought considerable expertise and passion for community in bringing this development to fruition. We are excited to see this housing community thrive for many years to come.”

To help make Villa View Apartments a reality, the development was financed, in part, with $12.5 million in federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) syndicated by Hunt Capital Partners and $5.6 million in Missouri State LIHTC syndicated by Monarch Private Capital. UMB Bank provided the federal LIHTC equity and a construction loan.

About Guadalupe Centers

Guadalupe Centers, established in 1919, is the longest continuously operating Latino-serving organization in the nation. Based in Kansas City, Guadalupe Centers provides a wide range of educational, social, and community support programs — from early childhood education to senior services — all designed to empower individuals and strengthen families. Learn more at www.guadalupecenters.org

About Hunt Capital Partners

Hunt Capital Partners (HCP) is the tax credit syndication division of Hunt Companies, Inc. (Hunt). HCP specializes in the sponsorship of Federal and State Low-Income Housing, Historic, and Solar Tax Credit Investments funds. Since its inception in 2010, HCP has raised over $3.8 billion in tax credit equity in over 48 proprietary and multi-investor funds. HCP manages nearly 800 project partnerships representing over 80,000 homes in 48 states and territories. Founded in 1947, Hunt is a privately held company that invests in businesses focused in the real estate and infrastructure markets. The activities of Hunt’s affiliates and investors include investment management, asset management, property management, development, construction, consulting and advisory. For more information on HCP, please visit www.huntcapitalpartners.com, or for Hunt, please visit www.huntcompanies.com.

Environmental Social and Corporate Governance (“ESG”) Investing

Hunt Capital Partners recognizes that its institutional investors are seeking to increase the social value of their investments to help further their ESG initiatives. An investment in affordable housing not only improves the living conditions of its residents, but it also helps to remove obstacles that stand in the way of creating a healthy, safe and stable home environment for low-income families and seniors. When families spend less on housing-related expenses, they have more resources available for other essentials such as food and clothing, or even extracurricular activities and educational programs. One of the most significant benefits to providing quality affordable housing is an increase in an individual’s physical and mental health. Hunt Capital Partners’ affordable housing investments create a lasting effect on the people and communities they serve for generations to come.