As KVOE News has reported, there are several housing development projects currently underway in the Emporia community; however, one that’s been in the works for the past few years will no longer be moving forward.
During his 2026 budget presentation Wednesday, City Manager Trey Cocking announced the decision had been made to “Mothball” the Kretsinger housing development.
The subdivision, which was set to be located in South Emporia near South Exchange and Soden’s Road, was poised to bring over 50 homes to the area near the David Traylor Zoo, with the final plat for the project receiving unanimous approval from Emporia City Commissioners back in the summer of 2023. Commissioners would then narrowly pass a development agreement for the project in September of the same year, with then commissioner Danny Giefer stating he had several concerns with the development, namely its infrastructure and location.
Other commissioners stated the city had to develop within its boundaries, noting the community is “Landlocked” in many ways. It is important to note that the Kretsinger project was being overseen by Ignite Emporia, which had an agreement with the city to develop infrastructure, with costs to be paid back from RHID dollars.
The city also paid for the development of construction plans, which prompted KVOE News to ask if the dollars already sunk into the project will be repaid or recovered. Cocking says those dollars will not be recovered; however, they’re not walking away empty-handed.
As for the future of the 17-acre tract, Cocking says he is not aware of any future development plans; however, any future projects or possible sale of the tract would be up to Ignite Emporia.
