Just a few blocks from the University of Kansas Medical Center, housing options for students remain limited, often consisting of repurposed single-family homes or low-quality apartments. This mixed-use development offers a fresh alternative, combining affordable, purpose-built living spaces with retail and office opportunities in the heart of the Rosedale neighborhood. 

Located at a prominent high-traffic corner, the design creates a dynamic presence while meeting the needs of the community. The structure anchors itself to the street with a dark gray brick base that splits to provide an inviting entry. Above, two floors of affordable dwelling units—designed with young medical students in mind—extend and retract in response to the activity levels of the surrounding streets. 

The building’s façade incorporates thoughtful materiality to balance form and function. A vertical wood composite and white aluminum panels wrap the residential levels, breaking up the massing and adding warmth to the structure. Vibrant colored stripes accent the design, paying homage to the nearby Rosedale Mural Project and connecting the building to the neighborhood’s artistic spirit. 

In addition to 20 affordable residential units, the development features 4,000 square feet of office and retail space, along with 1,750 square feet of live-work units. Screened surface parking ensures convenience without detracting from the design’s clean and modern aesthetic. 

This project provides a much-needed housing solution while contributing to the vibrancy and functionality of the Rosedale neighborhood, creating a space that supports both the academic and professional growth of its residents.