Developers Set Vision for 95th/Metcalf

     There’s not timetable yet, no final cost estimate and no major tenant announced but the vision for a massive makeover at 95th and Metcalf in Overland Park–one of the region’s busiest intersections–is firmly set. Co-developers  LANE4 Property Group of Kansas City and Columbia-based Kroenke Group say the 63 acres covering the Metcalf South mall site and the retail strip north of it will be transformed into 500,000 square feet of retail space and 56,000 square feet of offices, plus a 450-unit luxury apartment project wrapped around a structured parking garage.

      That vision was outlined in a release from the two firms this morning, which said proposals for both corners are being designed with flexibility to react to the market and certain pivotal tenants if approved by the city. The final product would blend retail, restaurants, entertainment venues, office and residential, much like the $437 million PrairieFire project that opened its first phase last spring in southern Overland Park.

     With the exception of two freestanding restaurants north of 95th and the Sears store on the south side of the mall property, all of the buildings on those tracts would be demolished. The Sears store, which is independently owned and operated by Sears Holdings, is not part of the project, and will remain open, developers said.

       “The goal is to create a place where people can go every day because it offers convenience, practicality, quality, and an enjoyable experience in a number of ways,” Owen Buckley, president of LANE4 Property Group, said of the northern portion. The southern half would be home to larger retail stores, with some smaller shops and restaurants.

     “We feel that certain larger retailers grouped together will provide convenience for the nearby residents who have voiced frustration about having to drive too far for certain types of goods. They will also help bring in customers that will benefit our smaller boutique retailers and restaurants.” said Buckley.

     LANE4 and DLR Group, the project architects, have invited the public to review conceptual plans at Feb. 11 town hall meeting, starting at 7 p.m. at the Matt Ross Community Center, 8101 Marty Street in Overland Park.