The Helm Residences Kansas City housing design, Missouri building, modern USA housing development

The Helm Residences in Kansas City

January 24, 2026

Architecture design: KEM STUDIO

Location: Kansas City, Missouri, USA

Photos: Bob Greenspan Photography

The Helm Residences, Kansas City, Missouri, USA

The Helm is a 224-unit residential development featuring a mix of studio, one-, and two-bedroom units. Located along the Kansas River at the Kansas/Missouri border, the project navigates site complexities including bi-state/bi-city planning as well as coordination with the USACE levee system.

Through thoughtful design and curated amenities, The Helm aims to foster a strong sense of place while serving as a catalyst for broader community and ecological interaction.

Located along the Kansas River in the historic West Bottoms, the site sits beside Hy-Vee Arena and near the Livestock Exchange Building, in an area undergoing major revitalization, including the nearby Rock Island Bridge. This is the second phase of a three-phase development, following The Yards and preceding a future adjacent phase.

The Helm’s amenity experience centers on river connectivity, offering a luxurious yet invigorating environment through thoughtful materials, functions, and orientation.

The river acts as both an adventurous catalyst and a calming backdrop. Amenities strike a balance between grit and refinement, blending active, energetic spaces with areas of quiet retreat and indulgence.

Beyond the mix of studio, one-, and two-bedroom units, what unique features or amenities does The HELM offer to create a distinct living experience for its residents?

Amenities strike a balance between grit and refinement, blending active, energetic spaces with areas of quiet retreat and indulgence.

For The HELM community, there are separate grit fit and lux fit exercise areas, a heated, salt-water pool, grilling stations, a community kitchen, and a bark park and pet spa.

Inside the apartments, The HELM offers sleek, contemporary designs combined with warm, welcoming touches. From the gourmet-inspired kitchens to the spa-like bathrooms, every detail has been meticulously chosen.

What was the overarching vision behind The HELM, and how did its location along the Kansas River influence the architectural design and unit mix? Can you elaborate on KEM STUDIO’s design philosophy for this project and how it aims to enhance the resident experience?

Designed to elevate a common multifamily typology, the project emphasizes connection between person, river, and city. It links the historic West Bottoms neighborhood to the future Levee Park, encouraging walkability and engagement with the surrounding urban fabric. Through thoughtful design and curated amenities, The Helm aims to foster a strong sense of place while serving as a catalyst for broader community and ecological interaction.

How do you envision The HELM contributing to the revitalization or growth of the area, particularly given its scale and riverside location? What community needs or gaps does this 224-unit development aim to address?

Located along the Kansas River in the historic West Bottoms, the site sits in an area undergoing major revitalization, including the nearby Rock Island Bridge.

The project emphasizes connection between person, river, and city. It links the historic West Bottoms neighborhood to the future Levee Park, encouraging walkability and engagement with the surrounding urban fabric.

The HELM experience centers on river connectivity, offering a luxurious yet invigorating environment through thoughtful materials, functions, and orientation. The river acts as both an adventurous catalyst and a calming backdrop.

What were some of the key challenges encountered during the development or design phase of The HELM, and how were they overcome? Were there any innovative approaches or sustainable practices incorporated into the project’s development?

Located along the Kansas River at the Kansas/Missouri border, the project navigates site complexities including bi-state/bi-city planning as well as coordination with the USACE levee system.

Challenging riverbank conditions including poor soil quality and the remnants of former industrial use, such as railway beds, power plant foundations, and construction debris, required 80-foot piles to anchor the structure. The site was regraded to provide accessible access to the levee trail, while also backfilling a dual-purpose FEMA-rated shelter that doubles as a fitness space and leasing office, creating an extended public park terrace at the levee top.