Construction of a 14-story apartment tower called REVERB at 18th and Walnut kicked off Monday, according to a release from Copaken Brooks.

The $40 million project, first reported last June by CityScene KC, is expected to be completed in the summer of 2020. Copaken Brooks said local engineering firm Burns & McDonnell will partner to design and build the project.

“This is an exciting time for new construction in the Crossroads,” Jon Copaken, principal at

Copaken Brooks, said in a statement.

“As downtown continues to grow and evolve, this new project will bring a unique but aligning identity to one of Kansas City’s fastest growing neighborhood for arts, entertainment, living and dining.”

Last month, Copaken Brooks opened ARTerra, a 12-story apartment building at 2100 Wyandotte in the Crossroads.

A team led by Trevor Hoiland of Burns & McDonnell designed the building, according to a release announcing the groundbreaking. Eric Wyancko of Copaken Brooks is the project manager.

“To shape the skyline of the Crossroads, it needs to be special,” Hoiland said in a statement.

“The building’s design is about an action and a reaction — a reverberation of form and a shift in apartment living. We really focused on how the tenants will live in the apartment units, which are very open and flexible, allowing for a multitude of furniture layouts.

“The design connects with the street life in the area and complements the arts district.”

Copaken Brooks originally had planned to begin work on the project in November.

The building will contain 132 units atop a two-story, above ground parking garage. With a commitment to make the housing economical for renters, 10 percent of the units will meet Kansas City’s affordability standards, according to the release.

An additional 2,000 square feet of retail/other commercial space will be located on the ground level, including space for food trucks outside and a sidewalk park.

Perched above the apartment units will be a penthouse level with a public, rooftop bar and a private outdoor terrace and lounge.

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