Roeland Park officials and EPC Real Estate Group announced that the $75 million redevelopment of the former city pool—now branded Moraine—remains on schedule for a late‑2027 opening. The project will replace the long‑vacant “The Rocks” site at 4800 Roe Lane with a 287‑unit apartment complex, a 3,500‑square‑foot restaurant and a small plaza.
From “The Caves” to a modern community hub
The site served as Roeland Park’s public swimming pool from its opening on August 3, 1957, until roughly 1993. Known locally as “The Caves” because of the natural rock formations that lined the pool, the facility was a neighborhood staple for nearly four decades. After the pool closed, the property sat empty for years, with occasional attempts by the city to attract developers.
In 2021, Sunflower Development Group entered a 120‑day memorandum of understanding with the city, but the partnership dissolved without a final plan. EPC Real Estate stepped in the following year, and the Roeland Park City Council unanimously approved the final development plan in 2023.
Project details and community commitments
The Moraine development includes nearly 300 apartment units, of which 5 % are designated as affordable housing for households earning at or below 60 % of the Kansas City area’s median income. A 3,500‑square‑foot restaurant will anchor the ground floor, with potential outdoor dining and a public plaza. Additional amenities feature a resident parking garage, electric‑vehicle charging stations and a $500,000 commitment from EPC for public art installations.
Construction broke ground in late 2025 after EPC secured financing. While the original schedule projected a spring 2028 completion, project executive vice president Austin Bradley described the earlier date as a conservative estimate. “Given the progress on site and the financing in place, we now anticipate finishing by the end of 2027,” Bradley told the Johnson County Post.
Local impact and future outlook
The redevelopment is expected to generate construction jobs in the short term and permanent positions in property management, retail and service sectors once the complex opens. City officials highlighted the project’s alignment with Roeland Park’s vision for mixed‑use growth that preserves the neighborhood’s character while providing new housing options.
Mayor and council members have emphasized that the inclusion of affordable units and public‑art funding reflects a commitment to serving both current residents and future families. The project also adds electric‑vehicle infrastructure, supporting broader sustainability goals within the community.
Historical note
Long‑time resident Michael Steele recalled swimming at the pool from 1958 to 1979, noting the distinctive membership patches that were required for entry. An archival city photograph shows the original entrance fee was $3, a modest price that underscored the pool’s role as a community gathering place.
With the new Moraine complex poised to open in 2027, Roeland Park residents can look forward to a revitalized neighborhood hub that blends the town’s historic roots with modern living spaces.
Original reporting: Johnson County Post (Overland Park) — read the source article.
