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Developers pivot to single-family homes as council approves two East Leawood plan revisions
Summary
The council approved revisions that convert proposed 'twin villa' attached homes into smaller single-family lots in two separate developments (East Village and Villas of Chadwick). Council approved East Village 6–1 and Villas of Chadwick 6–1 after discussing setbacks, home sizes and market demand; developers cited slow sales of twin villas as the reason for the pivot.
Leawood’s governing body approved two related development plan amendments on June 15 that convert proposed attached 'twin villa' units into detached single-family lots in two nearby projects.
What happened: Council approved a revised final development plan and plat for East Village (south of 133rd and east of Pawnee; Planning case 063-226) on a 6–1 vote, with Councilmember Harrison opposed. The developer explained twin-villa units on site had low sales (one of six built had sold) and proposed single-family lots of about 2,400–3,400 sq ft priced in the roughly $1.0–$1.4 million range; the revised plan reduces the total number of dwelling units and slightly increases green space. Council also approved a rezoning and revised plans for Villas of Chadwick (rezoning 5.08 acres from RP3 to RP2) that likewise replaces attached villas with detached single-family homes; that measure passed 6–1.
Why it matters: Council members debated setbacks (a previously approved 7-foot side-yard deviation), neighborhood fit, parking and the city’s housing-diversity goals. Some members said the single-family switch supports a market for downsizing empty-nesters; others worried narrower lots and small setbacks could yield tight driveways and more on-street parking.
Developer and staff comments: Applicant Courtney Otto (Otto Development) and architects said the change was a response to the market — twin villas were not selling at the anticipated price point (listed near $950k–995k), and single-family homes are more marketable. Planning staff noted regulatory controls (setbacks, green-space requirements, and design standards) will guide builders, and that final home sizes and aesthetics will be handled through design guidelines and builder plans.
Outcome and implications: Both actions passed with council majorities (East Village 6–1; Villas of Chadwick 6–1). Council asked staff and applicants to ensure design guidelines and parking/driveway considerations addressed neighborhood concerns and to provide clearer detail on proposed home footprints before final approvals and permits.
Representative quote: “If the twin villas are not selling, I support the developer's ability to pivot and create a product that’s more acceptable to the market,” said one councilmember supporting the revisions.
Next steps: The approvals allow developers to proceed with the revised lot configurations; builders will later submit site-specific plans and customary design review as homes are platted and sold.
