In April 2013, Lee’s Summit voters approved $600,000 as part of a general obligation bond for the creation of a downtown performance and festival space. The proposed improvements were based on the 2007 Cultural Arts Plan and 2012 Cultural Facilities Master Plan.
In the years to follow, several site studies and facility charettes were conducted to explore possible locations for an outdoor performance and festival space in the downtown district. Discussions also began to consider the potential for a permanent farmer's market space to support the growing popularity of the current Farmer's Market operated by Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street.
A site near Southeast Green and Southeast Third streets across from City Hall was selected as a prime location for the new outdoor performance and festival space as well as a permanent farmer's market facility.
In April 2021, City Council named LANE4 Property Group as the master developer of the project and Biederman Redevelopment Ventures as the manager.
In January 2022, City Council appointed GLMV Architecture the master architect of the project and began working with project partners and community stakeholders to create the Downtown Market Plaza Master Plan which guides the development of the project’s public and private components.
The Downtown Market Plaza will be perfectly situated in the heart of Lee's Summit's award-winning downtown district. Known for its thriving network of unique restaurants, boutique shops, breweries and craft cocktail establishments it's no surprise this wildly popular district was named America's Great Neighborhood by the American Planning Association.
Downtown Lee's Summit Main Street is a leading program committed to creating high-quality places and building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. The organization uses a comprehensive and balanced approach with an underlying goal of promoting and strengthening the downtown core and preserving its historic character.
With over 100 days of community events, an open-air farmer's market and a diverse collection of outdoor sculptures and murals, Downtown Lee's Summit is a favorite destination for residents and visitors from throughout the Kansas City metro.
Downtown Lee's Summit Main Street