by Sarah Thomas
Special to The Leaven
ATCHISON — The Raven Hills neighborhood, a new residential Planned District adjacent to Benedictine College here, is quickly emerging as a vibrant and distinctly Catholic community.
Early residents include families with young children and parents of Benedictine students purchasing second homes near campus.
The development has also drawn people relocating for new job opportunities and investors who see long-term promise in Atchison’s growth and stability.
With 19 home lots already sold, homebuyers have been enthusiastic about the charm of Atchison and the growing appeal of its faith-centered environment.
Among the new homeowners are Melissa and Patrick Lord, their two daughters and Melissa’s aunt. The Lords were seeking a slower pace of life rooted in faith, family and community.
Raven Hills offered something increasingly rare: the chance to build a new home in an established, historic town — with architectural guidelines in the Planned District that complement traditional Atchison homes.
“We really wanted a place where everything is closer together,” Patrick said. “Right now, our lives feel so spread out — we’re always driving to various activities. In Atchison, we’ll be able to walk our girls to school, take part in community life and use our time more intentionally.”
The couple, who both grew up in nearby Leavenworth, were drawn to Atchison’s strong Catholic identity and the walkability of its neighborhoods.
Their daughters, Avery, 11, and Josie, 9, are especially excited about the move and look forward to participating in dance classes taught by Benedictine students at the local YMCA, walking to school and riding their bikes throughout the neighborhood.
Melissa emphasized how the Raven Hills design guidelines support the lifestyle they envision.
“One of my favorite features is the requirement for a front porch,” she said. “I’m already picturing a porch swing with a view of the twin spires of St. Benedict Catholic Church on one side; on the other side, there are walking trails where we can take a jog, spend time together, and still be just minutes from downtown.”
“There’s something powerful about beauty,” Patrick agreed. “When a neighborhood is thoughtfully designed, it heightens your spiritual connection to God.”
The Lords will be joined by extended family — Melissa’s aunt, Maribeth Belcher, recently retired and has purchased the lot next door to their future home. Though she had not planned to move from her home in Olathe, she was drawn by the opportunity to “do life” alongside her niece and their family.
Only 11 single-family lots remain available. Five of those have been approved by the City of Atchison to allow apartments above detached garages, offering flexibility for extended family living, rental income or creative use of space.
To learn more about Raven Hills, visit the website at: ravenhillsatchison.com.
