Other casinos also are expanding. Harrah's in North Kansas City is on schedule for completion next year with a $107 million expansion. Ameristar just completed a $110 million project.

Another casino may join this group. The Kickapoo Tribe and Sac and Fox Nation have proposed a $210 million casino and hotel near Kansas Speedway. With retail attractions such as Cabela's, that area's Village West retail Mecca is already one of the region's most popular destinations.

A similar focus may develop in Independence. Bass Pro Shops plans to build a 160,000 s.f. store and hotel at the southwest corner of I-70 and Highway 291. The building is expected to cost more than $76 million and feature an 18-acre lake. An additional 500,000 s.f. of retail will include restaurants and specialty stores. Construction, which will also include nature trails and a city park, is expected to be complete in early 2006.

"Rebuilding" is the theme for another, nearby center. RED Development plans to demolish Blue Ridge Mall and replace it with retailers such as a Wal-Mart Super-center. The $50 million project would include a 200,000 s.f. grocery and discount store. Wal-Mart hopes to start construction in mid-2005 and open in 2006.

In nearby Blue Springs, large retail developments continue and the new Coronado Plaza is still being planned at Adams Dairy Parkway and R.D. Mize Road.

Johnson County: Still Growing Strong Johnson County, Kansas, still the most dynamic economic development engine in the area, may see its next major focus along the K-10 Corridor. This highway connects Johnson County with Lawrence, home of the University of Kansas.

The corridor is already home to Cedar Creek, one of the metropolitan area's largest planned residential communities. Commercial development is becoming evident in De Soto where new businesses include Mr. Goodcents Franchise Systems, Inc., Huhtamaki and Custom Foods.

(left) Ameristar Casino recently completed a $110 million expansion project. (right) New Century AirCenter, a multimodal industrial park near Edgerton and Gardner Kansas.

Another factor for K-10 may be redevelopment of the former 9,065-acre Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant near De Soto. Kessinger/Hunter, a Kansas City-based real estate and development firm, has been designated as developer for the Sunflower property.

In nearby Lenexa, new growth often concerns expansion by existing firms such as Silpada Designs, JRH Bioscience, TMobile, and PRA International. In 2004, these companies began investments of more than $102 million in projects that totaled 887,000 s.f of space.

In southwestern Johnson County, the communities of Edgerton and Gardner are impacted by the New Century AirCenter multimodal park, an active multi-use area that offers 1,000 acres for long-term lease. In south central Johnson County, a 4,800-acre area near Heritage Park is being examined for contemporary planning techniques that include "new urbanism."

In Johnson County's older communities, competition is fierce for a new convention center and entertainment district. Both Overland Park and Olathe are proposing arena-related projects. The Overland Park City Council recently advanced a $130 million proposal at 115th Street and Metcalf Avenue. The effort would include an 8,000-seat arena and 290,000 s.f. of destination retail and entertainment. In Olathe, a $339 million arena, hotel and retail project is being proposed near Interstate 35 and 119th Street.