Lenexa moves forward with sizable residential development

On Monday, the Lenexa Planning Commission approved a sizable portion of a residential development that will be located at the southwest corner of Monticello Rd. and 90th St. in the heart of Lenexa, Kan.

The planning commission unanimously recommended approval of eight out of nine items of the development, including a concept plan for the site; a preliminary plan for the Copper Creek Apartments and Townhomes on the north end; and rezoning required for nearly all components of the project.

The commission voted 8-1 to recommend approval of rezoning for the high-rise apartments.

Located on 187 acres, the proposed Watercrest South and Copper Creek project totals 1,239 housing units.

The project includes preliminary plans for 44 townhomes in seven buildings, 688 multifamily apartments in 14 buildings and 257 lots for single-family homes.

Conceptual plans were approved for the mix of a 100-unit multifamily apartment, 150 senior living units and 187,000 SF of commercial space to potentially include two hotels.

Because of the recent decline in demand for office space, previously included office space plans were removed from the city’s future land use map and replaced with additional single-family homes to the west of Watercrest Landing North.

The project also hinges on completion of Woodsonia Dr., which will run north and south through the area. City staff proposed completing the new street in one phase in conjunction with early phases of the private development, owned by Q.C. Development, P & L Development LLC. and Watercrest South LLC.

The next Lenexa City Council meeting will be held August 18, 2020, where they will continue to discuss other components of the development.

Wichita developer sets sights on upscale office park near Lenexa City Center

Wichita-based Vantage Point Properties has entered the Kansas City market, announcing plans to develop Reflections at City Center, a sprawling Class A office complex in Lenexa.

"Our vision is to create an environment that is both aesthetically and functionally different from any other office park in the Kansas City area," said Paul Jackson, president and founder of Vantage Point Properties. "Every detail - walkable paths, architectural lighting, and sculptures - will come together to create a comfortable, enjoyable place to work."

The commercial real estate company just closed on 32 acres at I-435 and Renner Road and envisions a walkable, upscale 315,000-square foot campus featuring reflection pools and three restaurants. The Lenexa City Council has approved tax increment financing for the project, which will break ground pending identification of an anchor tenant. 

"The project will provide a unique opportunity for a company to come in and make the site their own," Jackson said. "They will really be able to create their own footprint here. We're ready to make a deal happen with the right partner."

Jackson, who co-founded Vantage Point Properties in 1992, sees opportunity in the relatively stable Kansas City market.

"It has a track record of steady growth," Jackson said. "And Lenexa is the perfect spot for our first project."

Matt Stover and Tracy Wilson of Colliers are marketing the property for lease.