by Rick McDowell
The Lee’s Summit Economic Development Council is best known for its mission of promoting and enhancing the City of Lee’s Summit as a model community for economic innovation and growth. LSEDC typically makes headlines for its
role in attracting new corporate citizens to Lee’s Summit, as well as assisting existing companies with multi-million-dollar facilities expansions.
On a daily basis, LSEDC partners with developers and companies on projects all over Lee’s Summit in just about every sector of the economy. Here’s a snapshot at some of the projects underway around Lee’s Summit:
OFFICE
The former U.S. Post Office at 210 SW Market St. in downtown Lee’s Summit is currently being redeveloped into Bridge Space, a co-working facility. The 13,370-square-foot project is expected to serve as a catalyst for redevelopment of the west side of downtown Lee’s Summit. The project includes a complete overhaul of the interior and exterior as well as new sanitary sewer services.
HEALTH CARE/SENIOR LIVING
A 43,000-square-foot Autumn Leaves Memory Care Center is a new construction project valued at $7.1 million. Located on Lee’s Summit’s west side at 3101 SW 3rd St., Autumn Leaves will be home to 55 residents.
FINANCIAL/RETAIL
In the heart of Lee’s Summit, Summit Bank is expanding at 1150 NE Douglas Street. The project is valued at $375,000 and includes a 3,264-square-foot tenant finish.
RETAIL
“¢ Harbor Freight has opened a new store of about 16,000 square feet in Pine Tree Plaza. The project at 300 SW Blue Parkway is valued at $220,000 and helps backfill vacancy at Pine Tree Plaza as the well-located retail center undergoes extensive renovations under new ownership.
“¢ B&B Theatres New Longview 7 at 3241 SW Fascination Drive is now open to the public. The project is valued at $5.3 million and includes 27,935 square feet of space including seven screens, luxury recliner seating and a marquee bar.
RESTAURANT
“¢ Texas Roadhouse will open a new restaurant in Summit Fair in 2018. The 7,420-square-foot restaurant at 740 NW Blue Parkway has a project valuation of $1.3 million.
In addition to assisting with a wide range of projects such as those mentioned above, LSEDC strives to function well beyond the traditional mission of economic development attraction, expansion and business retention. The team works to facilitate and connect local businesses and organizations throughout the region on a variety of initiatives ranging from workforce development to public transportation. Through partnerships with regionally minded organizations such as the Kansas City Area Development Council, MARC’s Regional Workforce Intelligence Network (RWIN), the Missouri Partnership, Missouri Economic Development Council, KCP&L and Spire Energy, the LSEDC works hand in hand with local business and government to lift economic opportunity and investment for all.