The Master Planning process is complete, and the project has been approved through the City’s Planning Approval process. The project broke ground on October 24, 2023. Since then, McCownGordon Construction has been busy performing the necessary demolition, infrastructure and construction work to bring the project to fruition. The team aims for a 2025 grand opening of the Farmers Market and Event Space, Outdoor Performance Area and Streetscape Pavilion. The restaurant, retail and hotel components are currently being developed and will follow the construction of the public components. Please check our Construction Updates page for the latest up-to-date information.
The vacant buildings located on Green Street will be demolished to accommodate the project. Demolition and environmental remediation of these buildings is expected to occur in late fall 2023.
City employees conducted site visits with SCS Engineers and GLMV Architecture to identify items of significance related to the Ice House and to evaluate the practicality of salvaging materials for potential reuse within the project. Certain stone and wood materials, including the keystone, were salvaged from the building with the intention of incorporating those materials as part of a commemorative display within the Farmers Market.
There have been multiple public engagement opportunities and design charrettes dating back to 2013. Stakeholder groups have been involved throughout the design process. The project has had several updates at City Council meetings, as well as public hearings before both the Planning Commission and City Council.
As the project moves forward, public input will begin to focus on gathering feedback on programming for the project after opening. The City will notify the public of such engagement opportunities when they become available through social media, email announcements and on the website. The Advisory Committee of the Project’s Redevelopment Corporation will coordinate the strategy and process for gathering additional public input.
The City Council of Lee’s Summit approved an overall project budget of $44,000,000 for the public components. This budget includes all elements of the public components including land acquisition, design, professional fees, furniture, equipment, the Farmers Market and Event Space, Outdoor Performance Area, site work, infrastructure, streetscape and City Hall Plaza redevelopment.
Funding for the project comes from a variety of sources including City Council appropriations, the Downtown Lee's Summit Community Improvement District, special obligation bonds, MDFB funding from the state of Missouri, contributions from project investors, the potential sale of naming rights and donations.
Yes. The City’s Cultural Arts Division and Cultural Commission is responsible for overseeing the integration of 2D and 3D public art into the project design. A public art plan will coincide with project development, ensuring that the project design complements future art installations. The project is anticipated to include a range of public art consisting of murals and both permanent and temporary art. An artist selection committee was formed to draft Calls to Artists and to begin identifying qualified artists and artist concepts.
The project is designed with programming at the forefront. Having a deep understanding of potential programs and operations early in the design process will help ensure the facility can be utilized for a wide variety of activities by a variety of user groups.