Kansas City Historic Preservation & Urban-Core Redevelopment

One of the historic buildings near Kansas City's 18th & Vine district is moving closer to much-needed structural stabilization.

On October 22, 2026, the Kansas City City Council passed Ordinance 260947, authorizing a pre-development agreement for the former Holy Ghost New Testament Church at 1815 Paseo.

The agreement involves Grayson & Vine Holdings, LLC, an entity affiliated with Kansas City developer Grayson Capital.

The building has experienced significant deterioration and requires substantial work to preserve its structure.

The city previously appropriated $517,846 toward stabilization.

The newly approved agreement creates a framework for securing the property and performing stabilization activities while the parties continue determining how a future redevelopment might be structured.

There is an important distinction between those two phases.

Kansas City has authorized pre-development work. It has not approved a final redevelopment agreement or a completed construction plan.

1815 Paseo: October 2026 Project Snapshot

Source: Kansas City Ordinance 260947 , adopted October 22, 2026.

What Is the Historic Building at 1815 Paseo?

The property at 1815 Paseo is the former Holy Ghost New Testament Church, located within Kansas City's historic 18th & Vine district.

The city identifies the building as an important historic and cultural asset that has fallen into disrepair.

Over time, its condition has created an increasing need for structural intervention.

Historic buildings often require special consideration when evaluating their future use.

Unlike a vacant parcel, an existing building may have structural conditions, historic features and maintenance requirements that must be addressed before redevelopment can move forward.

For 1815 Paseo, Kansas City's immediate priority is to prevent further deterioration while long-term development options are evaluated.

What Did Ordinance 260947 Approve?

Ordinance 260947 authorizes the city manager to enter into a pre-development agreement with Grayson & Vine Holdings, LLC or an affiliated entity.

The agreement may include a license allowing the developer to access the property and perform security, stabilization and other pre-development activities.

The authorized term may not exceed two years.

The ordinance also allows a contribution of $517,846 from funds previously appropriated for stabilization.

Crucially, the ordinance states that any agreement for the future redevelopment of the building must receive City Council approval.

This is a meaningful development step, but the measure does not itself approve a specific future business, residential use, tenant or construction permit.

How Did Kansas City Become Involved?

The city acquired the former church from Holy Ghost New Testament Church on February 9, 2026.

The acquisition followed city action authorizing the purchase of the property.

On June 12, 2026, the city issued a Request for Qualifications focused on roof stabilization and structural preservation.

The process resulted in one submission from Grayson & Vine Holdings, LLC, an affiliate of Grayson Capital.

Kansas City subsequently approved Ordinance 260628, authorizing negotiations for stabilization and redevelopment.

The October 22 ordinance builds on those earlier steps by allowing a pre-development agreement to move forward while the final development structure is still being determined.

Where Does the $517,846 Come From?

The stabilization funding is not a newly announced appropriation created by Ordinance 260947.

Kansas City previously appropriated $517,846 through Ordinance 260343.

That measure consolidated existing Capital Improvements Fund resources to support stabilization of the historic property.

The October 22 ordinance references those previously appropriated funds and authorizes their contribution under the pre-development arrangement.

What Is Building Stabilization?

Building stabilization generally involves work intended to secure an existing structure and prevent further damage or deterioration.

Depending on the property's condition, stabilization may involve roof work, weather protection, temporary structural support, water intrusion prevention, security or other measures.

The specific scope at 1815 Paseo will depend on the approved agreement, building conditions and required professional assessments.

Stabilization is different from a complete historic restoration or adaptive reuse project.

It may preserve the building while a developer determines the costs and feasibility of returning the property to a productive long-term use.

Stabilization vs. Redevelopment: Why the Difference Matters

For 1815 Paseo, the city is allowing the first stages to move forward without treating the final redevelopment arrangement as complete.

This distinction is especially important for historic properties where the full cost of restoration may not be known until further investigation is completed.

Why This Matters for the 18th & Vine District

Kansas City's 18th & Vine district has historic and cultural significance that extends beyond individual commercial buildings.

Preserving existing structures can be an important part of maintaining the district's historic character.

However, historic preservation often involves a different financial equation than new construction.

Older buildings may require structural repairs, mechanical upgrades, code compliance work and other improvements before they can support modern commercial or community uses.

Those costs can influence which potential uses are financially feasible.

For 1815 Paseo, the immediate objective is preservation of the existing structure.

The eventual use and redevelopment outcome remain undetermined.

What Historic Building Owners Can Learn From 1815 Paseo

The project offers a useful example for commercial property owners throughout Kansas City's urban core.

An older building may have strong location potential and architectural significance, but still require substantial investment before it can be occupied.

1. Understand Structural Conditions First

Before estimating redevelopment returns, owners should assess the building's roof, foundation, structural systems and potential water damage.

2. Separate Immediate Repairs From Full Renovation

Work needed to prevent further damage may be different from improvements required for a new tenant or change of use.

3. Investigate Historic Requirements

Historic status, landmark designation and preservation conditions may affect permitted alterations and approval processes.

Not every older building automatically qualifies for historic tax credits or other preservation assistance.

4. Calculate Carrying Costs

Vacant buildings may continue to generate insurance, tax, security, utility and maintenance expenses.

Those costs can continue during planning and approval periods.

5. Confirm the Final Use Is Financially Viable

A building may be physically capable of restoration without supporting every possible commercial use.

Future leasing income, construction costs, financing and market demand must be evaluated together.

What Is a Pre-Development Agreement?

A pre-development agreement establishes certain rights and responsibilities before a final development transaction is completed.

Depending on its terms, it may authorize access, investigations, planning, stabilization or other early work.

It does not necessarily transfer ownership or authorize all proposed construction.

In the case of 1815 Paseo, the agreement may provide licensed access to stabilize the building while Kansas City and the developer continue working through the long-term redevelopment structure.

The ordinance expressly requires future City Council approval for a redevelopment agreement.

What This Means for Kansas City Commercial Investors

For investors considering older office, retail, institutional or mixed-use buildings, the 1815 Paseo project highlights several important underwriting considerations.

Property valuation should account for more than square footage, location and potential rental income.

It should also consider:

• Structural condition and deferred maintenance
• Immediate stabilization costs
• Environmental and hazardous-material assessments
• Historic preservation requirements
• Code compliance and accessibility upgrades
• Mechanical, electrical and plumbing improvements
• Permitted future uses
• Financing and construction timelines
• Insurance, security and carrying costs
• Availability and eligibility for financial incentives

A purchase that appears attractive based on acquisition cost may still require substantial capital before the property can produce income.

Similarly, stabilization work may protect an asset without immediately making it ready for occupancy.

How to Evaluate a Historic Commercial Redevelopment Project

1. Confirm ownership and legal status. Review title, easements, historic status and applicable restrictions.
2. Obtain a building assessment. Identify structural, roof, foundation and building-system concerns.
3. Separate stabilization costs. Estimate urgent preservation work independently from full redevelopment.
4. Evaluate the intended use. Verify zoning, occupancy requirements and market demand.
5. Review incentive eligibility. Investigate relevant programs without assuming funding approval.
6. Prepare a realistic budget. Include acquisition, restoration, financing, professional fees, carrying costs and contingency reserves.
7. Confirm necessary approvals. Determine whether historic review, permits or new agreements will be required.
8. Test alternative scenarios. Evaluate the financial results if costs rise, construction is delayed or leasing takes longer than expected.

What Happens Next for 1815 Paseo?

Following the October 22 Council approval, the city manager may enter into the authorized pre-development agreement with Grayson & Vine Holdings, LLC or an affiliate.

The arrangement may allow access and stabilization work for a term not exceeding two years.

The city and developer must still determine the structure of a long-term redevelopment transaction.

Any future redevelopment agreement must receive City Council approval.

The ordinance does not establish a confirmed completion date, final construction budget or future tenant.

For the latest legislative actions, review Ordinance 260947 .

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources and Further Reading

• Kansas City Ordinance 260947: 1815 Paseo Pre-Development Agreement
• Kansas City Ordinance 260343: Stabilization Funding
• Kansas City Ordinance 260628: Stabilization and Redevelopment Negotiations
• City of Kansas City: Official Development Resources
• Wardell & Holmes: Kansas City Real Estate Insights

Editorial note: Published October 29, 2026. Ordinance 260947 passed on October 22 and authorizes a pre-development agreement. The $517,846 stabilization contribution uses previously appropriated funds. The ordinance does not approve a final redevelopment agreement, determine a future property use or replace required building permits. Project details and timelines may change. This article is informational and does not constitute legal, historic preservation, financial or investment advice.