Farewell to the pavilion: Overland Park’s Farmers' Market makes way for a fresh start

The Overland Park Farmers’ Market hosted its annual Holiday Market on Saturday, Dec. 7, marking the end of an era for the beloved pavilion. The event, held from 8 a.m. to noon, combined the market’s signature farm-fresh produce and local foods with a festive holiday atmosphere, drawing in the community for a morning of celebration and nostalgia.

This year’s market was especially significant as it was the last to take place in the current pavilion before its removal. Attendees were invited to leave farewell messages on the structure, which will be donated to Garnett, Kan., where it will serve as a farmers’ market facility.

Overland Park Mayor Curt Skoog addressed the community, reflecting on the pavilion’s legacy and providing updates on the forthcoming improvements. After the 2024 market season, the pavilion will be dismantled to make way for a modern farmers’ market facility and downtown gathering space. The Farmers’ Market will temporarily relocate to the Matt Ross Community Center, just two blocks away, for the 2025 season.

The new facility is set to open in spring 2026 and represents a multi-decade investment in downtown Overland Park. The updated market will include indoor spaces to better accommodate vendors and shoppers and permanent shade structures to enhance comfort in outdoor areas. Additional seating and expanded restroom facilities will create a more inviting environment for visitors. Surrounding public spaces, including Clock Tower Plaza and Marty St., will also receive significant upgrades. During non-market days, parking will remain accessible, ensuring convenience for residents and visitors. The new space is designed to serve as a dynamic venue for concerts, watch parties, and other community events, complementing future private development in the area.

Above: A rendering of the new downtown Overland Park Farmers’ Market layout. Image courtesy of the City of Overland Park

Sustainability is a key focus of the project. The market will feature solar panels on the pavilion roof, electric vehicle charging stations, and reflective pavement and shade structures to reduce heat in outdoor spaces. LED and solar-powered lighting will provide energy-efficient illumination, while native landscaping will enhance the area's aesthetic and environmental value. Recycling and composting facilities will also be available, underscoring the city’s commitment to eco-friendly operations. Construction materials will be locally sourced, low-carbon, and recycled wherever possible to minimize environmental impact. Accessibility and connectivity will also be improved.

The project will maintain the tradition of closing Marty St. on market days to enhance walkability and bike-ability while adding designated bike and scooter parking to support sustainable transportation.

Construction is scheduled to begin in December 2024 and is expected to be completed by summer 2026. The revitalized market and gathering space will become a vibrant centerpiece of downtown Overland Park, combining modern amenities with sustainability and community-focused design. The project is anticipated to play a significant role during the Kansas City metro’s hosting of six World Cup games in 2026, showcasing Overland Park’s dedication to creating a dynamic and welcoming space for residents and visitors alike.

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Header image: A Rendering of the new downtown Overland Park Farmers' Market set to open by Summer 2026. Image courtesy of The City of Overland Park

Overland Park receives nation’s first LEED zero energy commercial project

In a collaboration between U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) president and CEO Mahesh Ramanujam, and Brookridge developer Chris Curtin, a first-of-its-kind Memorandum of Understanding has been signed, forging a partnership that will create an ongoing process to achieve LEED and LEED Zero Energy certifications for Brookridge Development in Overland Park.

Brookridge, a cross-generational 200+-acre mixed-use development, will feature nearly 2 million SF of office capacity, high-quality urban living spaces, extensive retail, restaurant and entertainment venues.

It will also spotlight a multi-faceted focus on health and wellness, including approximately 50 percent green space, fountains, recreational golf, fitness facilities, miles of walking paths, connections hike/bike trails and both forested and open lawns.   

Brookridge will tap into the abundant supply of wind and solar sourced energy produced in the State of Kansas to address the goal of significantly reducing the carbon footprint of the project.

In recognition of the unique nature of this partnership and its focus on wind and solar generated energy, the State of Kansas has also joined the effort.

Last week, Kansas Secretary of Commerce David Toland co-signed the Brookridge Renewable Energy Initiative, placing the state at the forefront of sustainable development.

“The Brookridge development, with the support of the State of Kansas, is thinking differently in terms of how our spaces can be designed to support environmental and personal health. LEED is providing the framework and their commitment to achieve LEED Zero Energy is yet another sign of their leadership and drive to create a better world,” Ramanujam said.

Chuck Caisley, KCP&L (Evergy) senior vice president and chief customer officer, also joined the State of Kansas in endorsing the Brookridge Renewable Energy Initiative.

“Kansas is different than coastal or mega-cities. Great things happen when our public and private sectors work in close partnership. We create the synergy necessary for significant environmental and joint economic success,” said Curtin, founder of Curtin Property Company.

The comprehensive Green program at the Brookridge development is also designed to work harmoniously with Overland Park’s dedicated visioning and planning efforts laid out in the initiatives of the City of Overland Park.

“The leaders of Overland Park set forth a set of ideas around a built environment that is both sustainable and visually impactful, further advancing the community’s destination for business development, entertainment, leisure and family time,” Curtin said.

 “A project of the size and scope of the Brookridge development – along with the commitment being made to it – will serve to put the State of Kansas at the forefront of sustainable development,” added Kansas Governor Laura Kelly.

Other partners involved in the project include WDG Architects - Land Planning and Architecture and GBA - Civil Engineering.