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The Kansas City Art Institute is proud to announce a key expansion milestone.

As of Monday, June 23, 2025, KCAI has officially completed the purchase of the property at 4535 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64111. This acquisition significantly expands our student housing options, supports the school’s long-term growth, and helps address the rising cost of living for our students.

Located just steps from the main campus, the building will add 134 beds (68 singles and 33 doubles) and 105 parking spaces. Set to open as early as Fall 2025, the space features furnished, studio apartment-style units with kitchenettes—designed to support student independence and comfort.

Many of our students already know this property, as it has served as overflow housing in recent years. Now, it will become a permanent part of KCAI’s residential life and also support summer programs, the new Art + Design Labs community education initiatives, visiting artists, and more.

This opportunity came to KCAI at an extraordinary moment, just after the school finalized a comprehensive student housing study. The report confirmed an urgent need for more affordable, accessible housing. The alignment between this need and the opportunity felt truly serendipitous.

Adding to the excitement, the building is conveniently located along the soon-to-open KC Streetcar Main Street Extension, which is expected to launch this fall.

KCAI sincerely thanks its Board of Trustees for their careful oversight, strategic guidance, and steadfast support throughout this process. Their leadership made this bold and timely investment in our students possible.

This is more than a building. It’s a long-term investment in our creative community, our campus culture, and the future of student life at KCAI.

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