ST. MICHAEL’S VETERANS CENTER BREAKS GROUND ON A HISTORIC PROJECT THAT WILL UNITE THE COMMUNITY AND HONOR VETERANS

Construction begins on Patriot Park, a community gathering place for fellowship, tranquil place for reflection and memorial for veterans

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (June 13, 2025) – Today, St. Michael’s Veterans Center, a nonprofit
organization that provides quality, affordable housing to veterans who are homeless or disabled
in the Kansas City area, broke ground on a historic project, Patriot Park, that will unite the
community and honor veterans and members of the military. St. Michael’s Veterans Center staff
and residents, local veterans and members of the civic and business communities gathered at a
groundbreaking and Flag Day ceremony at the new site of Patriot Park, at the entrance to the
nonprofit’s campus at the corner of Chelsea Drive and Leeds Trafficway.

“We are thrilled to begin work on this historic new project that is designed to capture the
strength of our men and women who have served in the military – and there was no better way
to do this than in tandem with our annual Flag Day ceremony,” said St. Michael’s Veterans
Center Executive Director Susan Engel. “Patriot Park was designed for veterans – a place to
reflect, gather and honor those who have and currently serve.”

Patriot Park is a unique community gathering place that will honor those who have served, and
provide a tranquil place of quiet reflection for all. The park signifies what the military means for
those who have served, with special sections custom designed for each military branch. Each
branch will have their own flag displayed, and a special memorial monument and bench. Patriot
Park will provide a feeling of strength and balance with beds of bushes and flowers in between
the sections honoring each military branch.

“As a veteran, I know how deeply meaningful it is to have a space that honors the sacrifices and
service of our brothers and sisters in arms,” said Art Fillmore, Board Chair of St. Michael’s
Veterans Center and a U.S. Army veteran. “Patriot Park will stand as a permanent and powerful
reminder that service matters, sacrifice is honored, and veterans are never forgotten. I’m proud
to be part of this historic project that brings our community together in purpose and respect.”

Another unique purpose the park will serve is providing an accessible pathway for St. Michael’s
Veterans Center residents to safely walk from their residence on the pathway to the park before
standing at the bus stop for public transportation – filling a void that currently doesn’t exist.
Residents literally paved their own path; the sidewalk was designed based on the foot traffic
patterns of residents.

The new project would not be possible without the generous help from local businesses and
community members, including U.S. Bank, the lead sponsor for Patriot Park, as well as UMB,
J.E. Dunn Construction and Jim Lannigan.

U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance, the community development financing subsidiary of U.S. Bank,
has helped finance all three phases of affordable housing at St. Michael’s Veterans Center.

“Our financing creates more than just buildings; it’s an investment in the people who live there.
Our support of Patriot Park is an extension of that investment, and another way to honor and
express our gratitude to the brave service members and veterans who have served our
country,” said Zack Boyers, chairman and CEO of U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance. “A natural
extension of the St. Michael’s campus, the park will enhance the quality of life for residents and
serve as a vibrant space for the community to gather and thrive.”

Patriot Park is expected to be completed in 2025. There is still time to be part of this historic
project honoring all past, present and future members of the military and their families. For a
donation of $150 or $500, you will have a memorial brick with your name or organization name
on it included in the garden. There are other sponsorships available, including sponsoring the
monument, a bench or flag pole. Visit https://smvets.org/patriot-park/ to reserve your brick and
learn about other ways to support Patriot Park.

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About St. Michael’s Veterans Center
St. Michael’s Veterans Center is a leading nonprofit in the Kansas City area committed to
providing quality, affordable apartment homes and supportive services to veterans who are
homeless or disabled. Since 2014, St. Michael’s Veterans Center has served nearly 200
formerly homeless men, women and children at its 24-acre permanent housing campus for
veterans. Learn more at www.smvets.org.

Media Contact
Kelsey Rockey
krcommsllc@gmail.com
913-956-9959