Mixed-use development seeks to add new energy to Gardner’s industrial edge

A long-stretch of industrial warehouse properties along the I-35 corridor in southern Johnson County is poised for a dramatic transformation, as developer Block & Company, Inc., Realtors and partners unveil plans for a mixed-use retail and rental housing development that could redefine a historically industrial section of Gardner.

The project, dubbed Clare Crossing, spans roughly 58 acres at the southeast corner of 175th St. and South Clare Rd., with immediate access to Interstate 35, positioning it within one of the region’s most rapidly growing suburban markets. The area has long been dominated by logistics, distribution, and manufacturing buildings due to its connectivity and flat parcel layouts, but retail and residential options have been sparse east of I-35 — until now.

Block & Company is teaming with Acclivity Capital, a Colorado-based development firm, to bring the vision to life. Retail offerings are expected to include a mix of drive-through and sit-down restaurants, small-shop space, automotive services, hotels, and complementary uses such as gas stations or medical offices. All pad sites are being marketed for lease, sale, or build-to-suit, giving flexibility to potential tenants and investors.

A key piece of the design includes a residential component developed by Mill Creek Residential Trust LLC, a national rental housing company. Mill Creek plans to build a 247-unit build-to-rent townhome community featuring two- to four-bedroom units averaging about 1,727 SF. The rental homes will offer private entrances, attached garages, and community amenities like a swimming pool, fitness studio, and landscaped courtyards.

Financial backing for the project includes participation from All Pro Capital LLC, which brings nearly two decades of real estate investment experience and an asset portfolio valued at about $1.8 billion, and Arvest Bank, a regional lender serving Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma.

The development comes as southern Johnson County continues to attract population growth and industrial investment, with job creation in logistics and manufacturing generating daytime demand for shops and services. Clare Crossing’s mix of retail and housing is intended to support that growth while offering a new neighborhood feel in a part of Gardner long defined by warehouses and truck traffic.

Planners say the project could act as a catalyst for additional commercial and residential investment along the I-35 corridor, bringing needed amenities to workers, residents, and visitors alike. Construction timelines have not been publicly released.

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Header image: A rendering of Clare Crossing, a new mixed-use development moving forward in south Johnson County, Kan.Image | Block & Co, Inc. credit Driggs Design Group, PA

Independence, Mo. set to rebuild historic power plant to fuel massive AI data center

Independence, Mo., is positioning itself at the forefront of the artificial intelligence infrastructure boom with plans to reopen and drastically expand a long-dormant power facility to meet the energy needs of a new, billion-dollar AI data center campus. The project, anchored by European cloud computing firm Nebius, will transform the former Blue Valley Power Plant into a powerhouse capable of generating up to nine times more energy than it once did — enough to support cutting-edge AI workloads and bring significant economic activity to the region.

Nebius has announced plans to build its third — and largest — U.S. data center in Independence within the Eastgate Commerce Center, a 400-acre site east of Kansas City. The campus is expected to span roughly 2.5 million SF and include multiple buildings dedicated to high-density AI compute and storage. The full buildout could require at least 800 megawatts (MW) of power, roughly enough to supply hundreds of thousands of homes — a dramatic increase compared to the original plant’s roughly 90 MW capacity.

To supply electricity during the interim, the city is negotiating four separate energy contracts with third-party providers, including NextEra Energy and Evergy. These agreements allow Independence Power and Light to purchase power beginning in mid-2026 and pass costs through to Nebius, keeping local utility rates stable for residents and businesses.

The centerpiece of the energy strategy is the phased redevelopment of the Blue Valley Power Plant. Originally constructed in the late 1950s and shuttered in 2020, the facility will be rebuilt and expanded by Independence Power Partners (IPP) — a joint venture between United Energy Trading, a major North American crude oil and natural gas company, and Exigent Energy, a national energy management firm. This private financing arrangement accelerates construction, with an initial 250 MW phase targeted to come online by 2027 and expansion to over 1,100 MW by 2029.

Local officials emphasize that the project — with construction set to begin later this year — is expected to deliver substantial economic benefits, including construction jobs, longer-term operations roles, and broader investment in regional infrastructure.

As Independence rebuilds its historic power plant to meet the demands of tomorrow’s AI economy, the city is betting that power — and data — can fuel not just machines, but sustained growth for the local community.

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Header image: Eastgate Commerce Center in Independence, Mo. gets a new $1billion AI data center. Photo | Cushman & Wakefield

Chiefs’ move to Kansas could transform commercial development across the metro

The Kansas City Chiefs’ planned move to the Kansas side of the Kansas City metro area is already reshaping expectations for commercial growth, real estate investment, and long-term economic development. While the relocation would mark the end of the team’s decades-long run in Missouri, it is widely viewed by Kansas officials and developers as a generational opportunity to anchor new construction and private investment around a modern NFL stadium.

The proposed project centers on a new domed stadium in Wyandotte County, a move that would position the region to compete for major events beyond professional football, including concerts, conventions, and national sporting events. Economic development leaders say the stadium itself is only part of the story. The surrounding land is expected to attract a wave of mixed-use development designed to create year-round activity rather than a venue that sits largely idle outside of game days.

Developers are already speculating about new hotels, restaurants, and entertainment concepts aimed at capturing crowds drawn by games and special events. Retail space, office buildings, and residential projects are also likely, following a national trend in which sports venues anchor walkable districts that blend work, housing, and leisure. Similar developments around newer NFL stadiums have shown that teams increasingly serve as catalysts for broader commercial ecosystems rather than standalone attractions.

The Chiefs’ potential relocation is also expected to influence development patterns beyond the stadium site. Areas along major highway corridors in Kansas could see increased interest from employers seeking proximity to a high-profile destination and improved infrastructure. Hospitality and service industries are anticipated to benefit most immediately, while longer-term growth could include corporate offices and regional headquarters drawn by the visibility and prestige associated with the franchise.

Supporters argue the move would solidify the Kansas side of the metro as a hub for sports-driven economic development, while critics raise concerns about public financing and the loss of revenue for Missouri. Even so, real estate professionals note that large-scale stadium projects often generate momentum that extends well beyond initial projections, especially when paired with intentional planning and private-sector participation.

If the relocation proceeds, the Chiefs’ new home could reshape the commercial landscape of the metro area for decades, signaling a shift in how professional sports franchises influence urban growth, land use, and regional competition in the Kansas City area.

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Header image: A rendering of a new Kansas City Chiefs stadium that may be built near the Legends in Wyandotte County, Kan. Image | Manica

Olathe Council approves incentives for Lineage cold storage facility

The Olathe City Council has granted tax incentives to Lineage Inc. for the construction of a new automated cold storage warehouse, a project projected to exceed $300 million in investment and add hundreds of jobs to the region.

The state-of-the-art facility will rise near 175th Street and Lone Elm Road, covering roughly 219,000 SF on a 146-acre site. Once operational, the project is expected to generate around 200 long-term positions, with an average starting salary of about $60,000. The site selection aligns with Olathe’s employment corridor goals, reinforcing the city’s strategy to attract industrial and logistics-focused growth.

City officials approved a $23 million package of tax incentives for the project, which may include a combination of industrial revenue bonds and property tax abatements. The incentives are contingent upon performance benchmarks tied to job creation, investment thresholds, and operational safety standards.

The council’s approval followed months of review and a close 5-2 vote after the city’s Planning Commission initially recommended denial. Olathe staff cited the project’s alignment with future land-use plans and the city’s ability to support the infrastructure needs of a large-scale industrial operation.

The fully automated facility will serve as a regional logistics hub, supporting food producers, distributors, and retailers throughout the Midwest. Construction is expected to begin in 2026 with completion anticipated by 2027.

City leaders have positioned the Lineage development as a significant step toward expanding Olathe’s role in national supply chain operations. They emphasized that the project will contribute to long-term economic stability, create skilled employment opportunities, and enhance the city’s standing as a center for advanced logistics and cold storage innovation.

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Header image: A rendering of the proposed 219,000 SF automated cold storage facility coming to Olathe, Kan. Photo | The City of Olathe

$20 million parking project aims to improve accessibility and infrastructure in 18th & Vine

Kansas City, Missouri, has partnered with Grayson Capital to develop a new 470-space parking facility in the 18th & Vine District, a historic and culturally significant area. The project will not only increase parking capacity but also improve infrastructure and connectivity, supporting the District’s growth as a hub for entertainment, culture, and history.

The parking garage at 1819 Lydia Ave. will serve as a key transit hub, providing much-needed space for the District’s visitors and residents. Funded by a $20 million allocation from the City Council, the project will enhance accessibility for the area’s ongoing revitalization efforts.

Mayor Quinton Lucas emphasized the development's importance in fostering the long-term growth of the Jazz District, noting that this project will support future developments while preserving the District’s cultural heritage. City Manager Brian Platt highlighted the project's broader impact, which is one of many revitalization efforts underway in the 18th & Vine area, bringing investment and job opportunities to Kansas City’s East Side.

Councilwoman Melissa Patterson-Hazley pointed out the significance of the public-private partnership, calling it a milestone for community development and economic growth. Councilwoman Melissa Robinson also expressed her enthusiasm, noting the improvements in walkability, safety, and access that the new facility will bring to the area.

The facility, currently in the design phase, is slated for completion ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Once finished, the City of Kansas City will own and operate the garage, ensuring its role in supporting local businesses and attractions for years to come. JE Dunn Construction will collaborate with Grayson Capital to bring the project to fruition.

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Header image: A conceptual rendering of the 470-space parking garage at the18th and Vine District. Image courtesy of Grayson Capital