A nonprofit that converts homes in Johnson County into accessible living spaces for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities could soon do the same to an old MED-ACT facility in Overland Park.

Friends of JCDS wants to renovate the ambulance station at 8500 Grandview Lane and make it into an accessible triplex. In early estimates, the nonprofit anticipated spending about $1 million on the project, paid for with grants, tax credits and private donations.

Last Monday, the Overland Park City Council voted unanimously to approve the required rezoning as part of its consent agenda (meaning it was voted on as part of a bloc with other items with no discussion).

Previously, the Overland Park Planning Commission also unanimously supported the project, voting 11-0 to recommend its passage.

“I would say it certainly fits the character of the neighborhood and the general spirit and intent of the neighborhood,” Commissioner Jameia Haines said during the planning commission’s September meeting. “Most importantly, I think it also meets a very important need within our community of attainable and accessible housing.”

3 units proposed at 8500 Grandview

Friends of JCDS intends to divide the existing 2,500-square-foot building into three separate dwelling units, two of which will be 950 square feet and the third just over 700 square feet.

To pave the way for the multifamily residential redevelopment, Friends of JCDS had to apply for rezoning from the city. Now, the property is designated with an RP-3 zoning classification, which is used for lower-density multifamily projects.

In addition to renovating the building, city documents detail plans to add greenspace to the property, as well as benches, garden beds and a covered patio.

A deed restriction on the property requires it to be used for affordable housing under federal HOME standards for at least 30 years. That means the rents will be set based on the occupants’ income.

Friends of JCDS got the Grandview property from the county

The former MED-ACT building has sat empty for a couple of years since county ambulance services were transferred from the Grandview property to another station in Lenexa.

Friends of JCDS acquired it through Johnson County’s new Leveraging Assets for New Development initiative, which prioritizes offloading the county’s underused properties for housing and other redevelopment efforts.

The actual property spans less than one-half-acre and was originally used as a privately operated fire station in Overland Park. The structure was built in 1957, before Overland Park was incorporated as a city.

Friends of JCDS has other projects in the works

Last month, the nonprofit broke ground on the Floyd Project, a $10 million apartment complex at the northwest corner of 79th and Floyd streets, which marks Friends of JCDS’ first foray into larger-scale multifamily living.

When completed, it will have 17 units, a new gallery space for the Johnson County Developmental Supports Emerging Artists Program, community spaces and offices for Friends of JCDS.

The majority of the units in the new apartment building will be reserved for individuals who receive services from JCDS. Additional units will also be available for lease by very low- and extremely low-income individuals based on federal standards.

“This project is a great example of what can happen when people come together with a common mission and a common goal and get something done,” said Janel Bowers, executive director of Friends of JCDS, at a groundbreaking on Sept. 1.

Keep reading: After years of remodeling single-family homes, local nonprofit for adults with disabilities building its first apartments