In 2005, the Members of Mission 159 began negotiations for the purchase of 74 acres at the Southwest corner of 159th Street and Mission Road. In 2006, the land was under contract and, at the request of the Company, the land was annexed into the City of Overland Park, Kansas and subsequently rezoned from agricultural to multifamily residential and commercial use. Also in that year, preliminary development plans were approved for the project in the Overland Park Planning Commission and City Council. In 2007, final plans for the Courtyards were approved and all pre-construction requirements were completed. In 2008, the first plat for Mission 159 was filed and building permits were issued for the model homes and the first twelve residential units in the Courtyards. In May, 2008, the Mission 159 Homes Association, a Kansas not-for-profit corporation was organized. Also in 2008, the site grading, utility installation, street and curb construction was completed. In 2009, foundations were poured for the initial build, the model homes were completed, and furnished for the Spring Parade of Homes. The first twelve residences were completed to be finished, but unpainted, drywall was made ready for sale with the final finish to be installed as chosen by each of the Buyers.
THE COMPANY AND THE OWNERS
Mission 159, LLC is a Kansas Limited Liability Company organized on January 10th, 2006. It has three Members who are David G. Allison, Jeffrey W. Ellis and James R. Schurman. Each of the members grew up here and is the owner of a successful local business in their own area of expertise. They have been business associates and friends for many years.
David Allison has over thirty years experience in the banking and mortgage-banking field having been a loan officer with several area banks prior to starting Executive Mortgage in 1988. Through his firm, Dave is currently the exclusive agent for Wells Fargo Home Mortgage in the Kansas City area and specializes in single family and commercial loans for individuals and companies at his Plaza office.
Jeff Ellis worked in the commercial and general contracting business for fourteen years with his father and brother until starting his own company J.W. Ellis Company, LLC in 2002. His firm is a leader in commercial and general contracting in the multifamily and retail markets that include major multifamily renovation, fire reconstruction work, industrial construction, and food service construction.
Jim Schurman has over thirty years experience as an attorney with his firm James R. Schurman & Associates which had offices in downtown Kansas City, Missouri for over twenty years and is now located in its own building in Lenexa, Kansas. With a banking and real estate practice, Jim represents numerous multifamily developers, owners, and managers in Missouri, Kansas, Texas, and other states. He is also counsel for local banks in complex loans and real estate matters.
