All-female architecture firm celebrates renovation of historic Liberty landmark

All-female architecture firm celebrates renovation of historic Liberty landmark

Women of A3G (clockwise from top): Owner, Aimee Gray, Melanie Torres (R), Brandi Atwell (Bottom) and Faith Page (L).

Jones Development acquires manufacturing and distribution facility in New Century, KS

Sumner Investment, L.L.C., a local partnership arranged by Jones Development, recently acquired a manufacturing and distribution facility in Johnson County, KS. The warehouse is situated on 17.71 acres in the New Century AirCenter, with close access to I-35.

As part of Jones Development’s newly created value-add portfolio, the facility is currently undergoing capital improvements and being offered for lease or sale, divisible as small as 100,000 SF.

The entire building includes 311,100 SF, with 12,000 SF of office space and 22’ – 26’ ceilings. The facility includes 36 dock doors, six drive-in doors and over four acres of paved, fenced and lighted outside storage for product or 95 trailer parking stalls.

“Jones Development has been developing, buying, selling, and managing industrial properties since the late 80’s,” said Chris Jones, executive vice president of investments at Jones Development. “The main difference today is that we are looking to aggressively expand this side of our business by forging some new, external relationships and pursuing more value-add facilities similar to Sumner.”

As part of their emphasized investment efforts, Jones Development also hired Cameron (Cam) Duff in March as vice president of investments.

Locally, Jones Development is also developing the master-planned Olathe Commerce Park, a new industrial business park occupying 66 acres at Dennis Avenue and South Grant Street, near KS Highway 7 and I-35.

Additionally, Jones recently completed a 99,600 SF speculative warehouse in Shawnee, KS, repurposed and sold a 88,000 SF facility in Riverside, MO, acquired a 2.5 acre parcel of land in Riverside, MO for future development, purchased two parcels of land at the intersection of Troost and Truman, and is investing with other local developers. Beyond the area, Jones is underway on several build-to-suit industrial development projects.

Grocers Warehouse Development adds commercial office space to Midtown KC

The Grocers Warehouse development is continuing its expansion, adding four new commercial office spaces for lease, ranging from 1,500-4,200 SF.

The mixed-use community, which existed as grocery distribution facilities in the early 1940s, is comprised of two buildings located at 3525 Roanoke Road and 3612 Karnes Boulevard. The site offers picturesque views and convenient access to one of Kansas City’s finest green spaces- Roanoke Park.

"The Midtown location is unique, just minutes from both the 39th Street Shops and Restaurants and I- 35, yet nestled into a park setting. With both residential and commercial use, the development has an energy both day and night, every day of the week," said Jesse Hufft, principal and co-founder of Hufft, who is overseeing the expansion's design and fabrication.

Anchored by Hufft, the current campus tenants also include ZancTank Corporate Office (locally known as Red Door Grill), Roanoke Park Conservancy, MEDiAHEAD, PURE Workplace Solutions, Real Fitness and Conditioning and the Studio Loft Apartments.

“Preserving and finding new uses for existing buildings can prove to be a labor of love; however, the increased property value and positive synergy from a creative community translate into good business,” Hufft principal, Matthew Hufft said.

For tours or leasing inquiries, email info@grocerswarehousekc.com. More photos can be viewed here: ADDITIONAL PHOTOS.

McKeever's Market to anchor 'Streets of West Pryor' in Lee's Summit

The $180 million Streets of West Pryor mixed-use development in Lee's Summit will be anchored by McKeever’s Market & Eatery. The 63,000 SF grocery store is a new-to-market concept operated by the McKeever family, with third-generational roots and over 40 years’ experience in the grocery space.

Drake Development broke ground in May on the 70-acre, $180 million project, located at the intersection of Interstate 470 and NW Pryor Road.

Other highlights include a 220+ luxury apartment complex, 165+ room hotel, 160+ age-restricted apartments-villas, and a wide range of national and local retail and restaurants. Due to ongoing negotiations, Drake declined to disclose additional tenant commitments.

The luxury apartment complex is being developed by Indianapolis-based Pearl Companies. First-class amenities will include underground structured parking, pool, fitness center, multiple courtyards, and first-floor access to restaurants, retail, and walking-trails to neighboring Lowenstein Park.

Led by Drake Development president, Matt Pennington, Streets of West Pryor was designed with the intent of creating a walkable and sustainable mixed-use community at the gateway of Lee’s Summit.

“When people think of a “mixed-use” development sometimes the end-product falls short, as it’s commonplace to have opportunities for live and play, but the “play” doesn’t extend beyond shopping or dining. We wanted to extend the “play” to outdoor recreation, and this was achieved through ample green space and walking trails connecting to neighboring Lowenstein Park. It was critical we tailored the site plan to include Lowenstein Park, which is a favorite among Lee’s Summit residents,” Pennington said.

The property is one of the last large infill sites in the KC metro, continually pursued by developers for its ideal location, but plagued with significant development issues including large quantities of rock, varying topography, power line relocation, and land assemblage of thirteen parcels owned by eight different property owners.

“We had an obligation to listen to any and all resident concerns. Planning meetings were meant to be an open discussion, answering all questions and iterating the project as we moved forward to address those concerns. We truly believe Streets of West Pryor was “co-created” with the City of Lee’s Summit and its residents,” Pennington said.

"As a consultant to Drake Development throughout the process and as a lifelong resident of Lee's Summit, I am so proud of what this brings to our community today and in the future, John Lovell, Lee's Summit Planning Commissioner added.

Other partners involved in the development include Emery Sapp & Sons, Lovell Sagebrush Insurance, RI Architects, and Schwerdt Design Group. Streets of West Pryor is expected to be complete by Summer 2020.