Development

IFF serves as a real estate developer to launch community-driven projects. At the end of 2020, we had 18 projects under development, representing 442,000 square feet and $179 million in value. But we aren’t driven by size and value — it’s the why and how we do this work that matter most.

We work closely with community development partners to identify gaps where impactful projects would not happen through traditional development avenues. This is where we use our strength and creativity to bring to life development projects that bring new resources to the communities we serve. Our expertise in planning, team building, and capital resources allows us to make challenging projects possible – in and for the communities we serve.

Equitable Community Development Principles

Engage in visioning and implementation with community residents and stakeholders

Build and preserve local community assets and wealth

Advance development guided by an inclusive community vision

Ensure that equitable community development addresses the social determinants of health beyond affordable housing and economic development

Bridge growth and equitable opportunity with a long-term commitment, or resources and time, with community partners

Our Projects

Beginning with our supportive housing practice Home First in 2010, IFF’s Development team has grown to be a leader in many sectors — including schools, early childhood education, food system facilities, and comprehensive community planning. Use the tool below to explore our projects.

Community Facilities

Early Childhood Education

Housing

K-12 Education

Completed: August 2016

Citizens of the World - Kansas City, MO

IFF acquired and renovated a 38,750-square-foot, three-story office building in Kansas City. IFF continues to own the building and lease it to Citizens of the World Charter School in Kansas City. The project leveraged philanthropic equity from the Kauffman Foundation, and the graduated lease is structured to support the growth of the start-up school and eventual purchase of the property from IFF. Total development costs: $6.4 million

Under Development

City Garden Montessori - St. Louis, MO

IFF is structuring the capital stack for the redevelopment of an industrial building at 4209 Folsom to serve as the permanent home for the school’s expanding program.