Member News

Cody Richardson, Keith Fenwick and Alex Downing at the 2021 KCHBA Golf Tournament

Congratulations on Retirement: Keith Fenwick

The KCHBA would like to congratulate Keith Fenwick on his retirement! Keith started his career in banking in 1985. He has been with First Federal Bank of Kansas City since May 2013, currently serving as the Vice President - Director of Construction Lending. Thank you for your years of supporting the KCHBA and enjoy your retirement, Keith! Jan Burchett has been with the Kansas City chapter of NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry) for over 27 years. Jan’s dedication as Executive Directory has won her many recognitions over the years, most recently NARI’s Mary Busey Harris CAE Professionalism Award in June of this year. This award recognizes NARI members that have shown exceptional leadership and dedication to promote NARI on a local level. The KCHBA would like to wish Jan well as she transitions into retirement. Congratulations Jan!

First Federal Partners with Veterans Community Project

In November, North American Savings Bank (NASB) donated $50k as presenting sponsor of Veterans Community Project (VCP) Annual House Party in support of their efforts to end veteran Pictured: Mandy Thomas, NASB CEO homelessness. In addition, Paul Thomas and VCP President Jason Kander attend VCP’s House Party at they donated winter coats Union Station on Nov. 5. and accessories for the veterans. NASB has been a community partner of VCP since its inception in 2016. In addition to this year’s sponsorship, NASB associates from the Commercial and Construction Real Estate Lending and Credit Teams led by VP of Commercial Real Estate Lending Jeff Wagner volunteered with VCP repairing veteran homes.

Homes by Chris’ Home for the Holidays Event Raises $100,000 for Rebuilding Together KC

Homes by Chris hosted its first Home for the Holidays Event Nov. 26-28 and Dec. 3-5. Homes by Chris created a woodland theme wonderland in the home at 5743 N Revere, located in the Forest Ridge Estates subdivision. Attendees purchased tickets to view the home, with ticket proceeds and trade donations benefitting Rebuilding Together Kansas City. Rebuilding Together KC is a nonprofit dedicated to assisting low-income families with home maintenance and repairs through labor and material donations. Go to hbcbuilder.com/homefortheholidays for a full list of donors who made this generous contribution possible.

5G: Not going the last mile in multifamily communities

There’s an old saying that “the longest mile is the last mile home.” If you’ve been on a long road trip, you know it’s true.

Traveling from one major city to another, most of the journey is probably on the interstate, moving at high speeds. Reaching your destination—the last mile of the trip—is often more complex. It means exiting the super-highway and winding through a maze of side streets, traffic lights, and congestion.

For some multifamily property owners, “last mile” internet connectivity might seem just as complicated. It’s that final communications hand-off bridging an internet provider’s network and the residents of a multi-dwelling community. It’s important to note that the majority of fiber-enabled properties receive fiber all the way to the premises or living unit—making for a much smoother last mile. For some communities, though, there may be other technologies involved and different challenges. Recently, some of the last mile discussion has shifted toward what role 5G might play.

Wireless but not limitless

Like any wireless technology, 5G uses radio signals to send data and information back and forth through the air. And, just like any radio signal, 5G signals become weaker as they travel further away from their transmitter. In fact, the high-density characteristics of 5G waves cause them to dissipate quickly. What’s worse is that the signal breaks down even further when it hits solid walls, Low-E glass, building materials like concrete or steel, or even environmental landscapes like dense foliage.

For multifamily owners, it’s essential to remember just what 5G is—and what it is not. While advanced, 5G is still cellular phone

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Loan approval is subject to credit approval and program guidelines. Not all loan programs are available in all states for all loan amounts. Interest rates and program terms are subject to change without notice. Visit usbank.com to learn more about U.S. Bank products and services. Mortgage, home equity and credit products are offered by U.S. Bank National Association. Deposit products are offered by U.S. Bank National Association. Member FDIC. ©2021 U.S. Bank 223105c 3/21

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KCMO Building Official Greg Franzen Retires

KCHBA members had a great meeting with the with Kansas City, Mo., planning department last month. The meeting was the last one that longtime building official Greg Franzen will attend. Franzen retired shortly thereafter. Congratulations, Greg! It’s been great working with you!

5G: Not going the last mile

Continued from page 11 technology. If a building has indoor coverage problems with earlier cellular systems (2G, 3G, 4G), 5G won’t perform differently.

Due to these types of interference issues, property owners won’t find outdoor, over-the-air 5G networks to be reliable solutions for providing service or connectivity inside their buildings. If a community doesn’t have a managed WiFi system inside its walls, residents may find staying connected while using their phones or smart devices difficult. As they roam from outdoor spaces back inside their apartments, they will likely run into signal drops. These lapses in coverage will be glaringly obvious (and frustrating) for anyone streaming content or making video calls as they move around. For the time being, it seems, WiFi will continue to be the primary indoor solution for transmitting data and voice.

Solutions vary by location

For multifamily owners, augmenting and optimizing internet connectivity for their residents should be solutioned by experts. Options and solutions can be as unique and varied as each building or community. For example, a high-rise complex in the heart of downtown faces an entirely different set of challenges than a community of townhomes out in the ‘burbs. Figuring out a wireless strategy can also depend heavily on a property’s existing infrastructure. The availability of a pre-existing fiber network, like Quantum Fiber, wireless access points, radio networks, or nearby cell towers can all help determine the best way forward for developers and property owners.

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