FOUNDING PARTNER

John Hoffman

John is a native of Kansas City, Missouri. In 1963, he graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a degree in Latin American Studies. He then joined the Peace Corps and worked in Colombia for two years as a volunteer before joining the staff in Washington, D.C. After serving three years in the United States Army, John moved back to Kansas City and joined the investment firm of Dean Witter/Morgan Stanley. In 2002, after 33 years with the company, he retired and fully devoted himself to rebuilding the urban core.

John established Urban Coeur Development in 2002, with projects that included 40 Penn Row, Summit at 16th, East Market Row, 30 Gillham Row, Battery Lofts, Triangle Townhomes and Cherry Hill Row. He also restored five buildings in the Gillham area plus the Filling Station at 30th and Gillham. The success of that project helped the owner establish a strong business model which has expanded to five locations in the metro area. In Wyandotte County, John built Boulevard Row and three award winning single family residences at 4409, 4445 and 4460 Rainbow.

John’s community involvement has included working with the Historic Kansas City Foundation (President 1980-1983), being a founding member of the Kansas City Architectural Foundation (1985-2010), and serving on the board of Kansas City Repertory Theater. Currently, John serves on the board of The American Jazz Museum, Boys and Girls Clubs, and Harmony.  He also founded Arts Alive (1999-present), and the Kansas City Camerata (1991-1998).

John has been married to his wife, Sharon, since July 1969. They have two children, Matthew and Lynn, and four grandchildren. John and Sharon currently reside in Brookside and enjoy working charitably with several nonprofit organizations, admiring art, and spending time in Colorado.