Four new retail stores open in Belton Gateway

Four retailers have celebrated March grand openings in Belton Gateway’s $63 million second phase, including Marshall's, Party City, Petco, and Five Below.

Ross Dress for Less is scheduled to open later this spring in the $136 million, 47-acre mixed-use development located just west of I-49 at Y Highway. Kneaders Bakery opened in the summer of 2017.

“Belton Gateway is quickly becoming Cass County’s premier retail destination, thanks to its location and easy highway access,” said Belton Economic Development Director Carolyn Yatsook. “We are seeing a tremendous amount of activity in this corridor.”

In addition, the relocation of Turner Road has been completed and provides improved traffic flow to the North Scott redevelopment area. Additional pad sites are available for retail and restaurant development.

Developed by Christie Development, Belton Gateway’s two phases are master planned for a total of more than 182,000 square feet of developable space. The project’s $70 million Phase One is anchored by a 58,000-square foot Academy Sports and Outdoors store and a 55,000-square foot Hobby Lobby. Phase One has potential for construction of a 20,000-square foot hotel.

Changing retail trends drive shift in Price Brothers’ BluHawk plan

Price Brothers recently announced new plans for its $750 million, 277-acre mixed-use BluHawk development that includes a 300,000-square foot indoor multi-sport complex operated by Colorado-based Sport Stable. The $205 million, 59-acre first phase will launch with a new redesigned civic and community center and arena, indoor complex and hockey rink, as well as additional restaurant and retail.

Originally envisioned in 2006 as the home of Sporting KC, the project been modified to fit neighbors’ wishes.

“The key words here are evolve and adapt,” said Price Brothers President Doug Price. “The (professional soccer) plan didn’t pass the litmus test with taxpayers. They want only amateur sports here, and this is our response to that. It’s not a change of course, it’s more of a slight change in sporting components. It’s always been a family friendly sports, science and educational development.”

The new timeline moves the Cosmosphere project and retail outlet stores to Bluhawk’s second phase and is in response to changing consumer demands and retail shopping habits, according to Price Brothers VP of Development Bart Lowen.

“We recognize that retail has to evolve from what it was 10 years ago and can’t just be a shopping only experience. It has to move beyond that. It has to start at the periphery and offer other opportunities to experience when you are there,” Lowen said. “BluHawk will be a place where kids can go to practice, families can take in an event, visit the Cosmosphere, and enjoy the day.”

Bluhawk started going vertical in 2015 and has sold nearly all of its single-family home sites, according to a release. In addition, currently open are Shawnee Mission Health - South Overland Park, public safety administration building, Cosentino’s Market and other nearby retail, as well as the 159th & Antioch interchange.

"Bluhawk will be a place where active minds and energetic bodies can thrive. Some will call it home and some will visit frequently,” Price said. “To all, it will offer an intersection of health, knowledge and leisure. Bluhawk will be about well-being, learning and playing – a next generation destination designed for both today and tomorrow.”

KC retail experts weigh in on the future of Independence Center

It appears that economic challenges and increased nearby competition are forcing Simon Property Groupto sell Independence Center. According to research firm Trepp, the debt-strapped regional shopping mall is in foreclosure and headed for sale to a special servicer next week.

It's no secret that shopping malls and their brick-and-mortar retailer tenants have been hit hard by the e-commerce boom. Here's a snapshot of local expert commentary on the retail climate in Kansas City:

"This news highlights the pressure that all brick-and-mortar retailers are facing to deliver an experience that cannot be matched by online shopping. Everyone is searching for that magic mix of unique dining, amenities and brands that keeps traffic flowing through the doors."

-Dave Claflin, Legacy Development

"Independence Center remains one of only two malls in the greater Kansas City area. The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) estimates that of the roughly 850 malls around the country, only the top 550 malls will remain standing in the next five years. The landscape of retail is changing, and many malls are being back-filled with office, hotels, entertainment and residential components." 

-Kimberly Tranbarger, Colliers International

"Within the last few years, Independence Center has added a number of stores including Dick's Sporting Goods and H&M and remains home to multiple national, regional and local retailers. The retail market is changing but it's not going away. Retailers are right sizing and even expanding as landlords move toward a strategic mix of retailers, entertainment and restaurant tenants."

-Eric Mann, retail developer and broker

"As 2018 begins, LANE4 anticipates another year influenced by advances in technology and shifts in consumer preferences. As experience and entertainment become key components to successful business, we are eager to learn which tenants can effectively fill spaces formerly occupied by high-profile retailers and which retailers can keep up with technology by enhancing online presence and in-store technology."

-LANE4 Property Group, 2018 Kansas City Retail Report

Hawaiian dining concept launches in KC market with Belton location

Two brothers who helped operate Hawaiian Time, a quick casual
restaurant chain with nine Oregon locations, are rolling into the Kansas City market with a similar concept in Belton, the first of as many as a dozen planned for the metro area.

Cameron McNie and Tyler McNie will open Hawaiian Bros Island Grill, 1112 E. North Ave, in February. The brothers partnered with longtime friends and brothers Paul Worcester and Joel Worcester of Worcester Investments to purchase the 2,800-square foot former home of Long John Silver's.

"Our family purchased a single restaurant in 2003 from a Hawaiian family," Cameron McNie said. "We'd never been in the restaurant industry, but the business just exploded from that one location and we grew it throughout Oregon. After working for our family restaurant for many years, my brother and I wanted to branch off and do our own thing."  

The McNie brothers already are scouting a second metro-area location, touring 7-8 potential sites in November.

"We think this is an expandable concept. We have proven that in Oregon, so we're trying to move fast on additional locations," McNie said.

Hawaiian Bros will feature Hawaiian-inspired island décor and an all-fresh menu that includes a signature teriyaki chicken dish, Huli Huli Chicken. At about $8.50, the restaurant's traditional plate lunch includes a main portion of meat, two scoops of white rice, and a scoop of macaroni salad.

"This is a very similar yet different concept than Hawaiian Time. We have re-branded the look and feel to be our own as well as added some new takes on the menu while keeping the core of the traditional plate lunch intact," McNie said. "We've been doing this for 14 years and think we have a good idea of what works."

McNie said the ownership group chose to launch in Belton because of population growth in Belton and Raymore, as well as the ability to purchase the standalone building near Target and Home Depot at the intersection of 58 Highway and Towne Center Drive.  

"There are plenty of other successful establishments nearby, and the square footage is ideal for our operation," McNie said. "We feel our food and price point will be appealing to a wide demographic, allowing us to be successful wherever we are located. We believe the Midwest is ready for Hawaiian plate
lunch."

Hawaiian Bros. rendering courtesy: Clockwork Architecture

Red Bridge set to rise and shine with plans for new breakfast eatery

Lane4 Property Group's re-awakening of Red Bridge Shopping Center in South Kansas City continues with the announcement that Caleb’s Breakfast and Lunch will open in early 2018.

The new concept by Rebecca Huntsman will offer classic breakfast and lunch fare in a family-friendly environment. The breakfast business is a natural fit for Huntsman, whose father brought First Watch into the Kansas City area more than 30 years ago. But she says Caleb’s is about much more than food.

“We want to know the community. We want to be the community. We want to know the people that walk in our door, know how many grandchildren they have and what’s going on in their lives. And while we are getting to know the community, we’ll serve great food,” Huntsman said.

LANE4 President Owen Buckley said the father and daughter team have a strong and successful operating history in the region, making them ideal tenants for Red Bridge.

“I helped Ron secure his original First Watch restaurant at 95th and Metcalf 30 years ago,” Buckley said. “It’s really fun to work with him again… (They) are as excited as we are about delivering a great product to this special community.” 

Caleb’s is among a growing number of locally-owned and operated businesses choosing to locate in the Red Bridge Shopping Center.

“We see the retail market shifting and we see the strength in quality, local businesses. They add character and strength to our centers; that’s who we want at Red Bridge,” LANE4 Vice President Brandon Buckley added.

Red Bridge has moved from 50 percent to 80 percent occupancy since renovations were completed in early 2017, with Euston Hardware, Blue Bicycle and SERC Physical Therapy opening new locations. In addition, Blue Moose Bar & Grill, Aerial Fitness, and Crows Coffee are all in various stages of design and construction. Design is underway for Wonderscope Children’s Museum, with groundbreaking targeted for 2018.