By Kevin Collison

The new year in downtown Kansas City kicks off with the opening today of downtown’s newest apartment tower, the 12-story ARTerra project at 2100 Wyandotte.

At its groundbreaking in August 2017, the developers of the 126-unit luxury project predicted it would set a new bar for downtown rents and it appears to have lived up to that promise.

Rents for a 420 square-foot studio start at $1,050 and the largest (1,550 square feet and up) three-bedroom, two-bath apartments go for over $4,000. And that doesn’t include parking, which is available in an attached garage for $125 per month.

But the developers, Copaken Brooks and St. Louis-based Altus Properties, are banking on ARTerra‘s unique amenities and location to attract residents.

It’s the first new apartment tower to be built in the Crossroads Arts District and its next door to the new Crossroads Hotel.

“Everything is so close and walkable,” said Holly Ealey, property manager.

“There are restaurants and shopping including two clothing stores within walking distance and we’re three blocks from the streetcar stop.”

The crowning feature of the $40.7 million project is a 12th floor sky lounge on the northeast corner that offers a dramatic view of the downtown skyline. The space features a wrap-around balcony, service kitchen, billiard table and a conference center.

The fifth floor features a spacious, state-of-the-art fitness center that opens onto a terrace with a lounge pool. The pool deck offers a great view of Union Station and includes fire pits and a barbecue grill. There also a yoga room and kitchenette.

The first floor lobby includes a free coffee bar stocked by Messenger Coffee, a locker system for packages and a concierge desk. The project includes two commercial spaces on the ground level, no tenants have been announced yet.

The apartments themselves include full-height windows and almost all have private balconies.

Each includes a high-efficient washer and dryer, ceramic tile showers, smart thermostats and “chef-inspired” kitchens with stainless steel appliances and quartz countertops.

A “butterfly” call box allows residents to see their visitors before allowing them inside the building. There also is a pet spa and dog washing station, and residents are allowed to have up to two pets.

While ARTerra officially starts business today, a grand opening event is planned within a month.

In addition to the studio and three-bedroom units, ARTerra offers one-bedroom apartments ranging from $1,550 (640 square feet) to $2,050 per month (874 square feet), and two bedroom, two-bath units ranging from $2,950 (1,065 square feet) to $3,305 per month (1,465 square feet).

The development also includes two guest suites residents can rent for visitors. Ealey said ARTerra also is planning to make arrangements with a local restaurant to offer room service to residents.

Don’t miss any downtown news, sign up for our weekly CityScene KC email review here.