A $29.3 million housing development near the Hospital Hill campus was approved by the UM System Board of Curators last Thursday. The plan calls for a layout similar to the Oak Place Apartments, with 252 beds and a 196-space adjacent garage. Bob Simmons, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Administration, said housing for Hospital Hill has been part of the UMKC master plan for several years. UMKC is in the process of soliciting proposals it expects to present at the next Board of Curators meeting in April. Simmons said student safety is a priority. “Security is important, as it is on any campus,” he said. “Particularly on a developer property, it’s important to have well-lit pedestrian connections.” The leading site contender is at the southeast corner of 24th and Troost, a location that has civic support as part … Read entire article »