LANE4 names new managing partner

After serving eleven years as the firm’s director of investments, LANE4 Property Group has announced Michael Berenbom as its new managing partner.

“Mike’s experience as a producer puts him in a prime position to lead this firm. He has a deep understanding of what makes our business function, and how to capitalize on individual opportunities in a cohesive and strategic manner, leading to broad-based success,” said Owen Buckley, LANE4 president.

Owen founded LANE4 in 2006 and will remain in place as the firm’s president and leader of the brokerage team. The shift will allow him to focus further on the firm’s clients and real estate projects, identifying and executing new deals and advising the firm’s producers.

A Kansas City native, Berenbom has spent his career in real estate focusing on asset management, investment brokerage and equity procurement. Prior to joining LANE4, he served as vice president of asset management for Lincoln Property Company in Chicago, Ill., where he was responsible for the portfolio management of Class A office properties totaling over $800 million throughout the United States.

Berenbom has been instrumental in many of LANE4’s most prominent projects, including the acquisition and redevelopment of 95Metcalf South (formerly Metcalf South Mall) and several shopping center acquisitions throughout the metro. He also has led the firm’s efforts on many municipal projects, including the Downtown Olathe Library and the recently announced Lee’s Summit Downtown Market Plaza project.

He has been personally responsible for over $200 million in acquisitions on behalf of LANE4, and an additional $75 million on behalf of third-party clients, both buyers and sellers.

“There are two parts to successful real estate projects: the idea and the execution. LANE4 has a proven track record of succeeding in both. Having the tools and people in place to generate and execute successful deals leads to strong partnerships and repeat business with clients, partners and communities,” said Berenbom.

Since its founding, LANE4 has developed a niche for executing creative, successful projects and partnerships within Kansas City’s commercial real estate market. Collectively, the firm has spearheaded nearly $900 million in acquisition and development projects, served hundreds of clients and completed countless traditional brokerage transactions.

The company is preparing to break ground on a new Downtown Library and municipal building in Olathe, Kan., serving as the owner’s representative and project manager on behalf of the City of Olathe.

LANE4 was recently selected as the master developer for the City of Lee’s Summit’s Downtown Market Plaza project — a 2.75-acre, mixed-use infill project that will blend civic and public amenities with private uses (potentially including a hotel, multifamily, restaurant and retail buildings).

In addition to its growing portfolio, the LANE4 team has recently expanded its team, adding veteran brokers Adam Abrams and Mike Levitan, who bring over 30 years of collective experience in the Kansas City market.

Berenbom is also an active member of the International Council of Shopping Centers, sits on the Olathe Economic Development Council Advisory Board and serves as the vice president of investments for the Menorah Heritage Foundation.

KC developers and brokers weigh in after KC voters clear #NewKCI for takeoff

Kansas City, Missouri voters overwhelmingly approved public financing for a new $1 billion single-terminal design for KCI. Local development leaders mounted a warrior-like effort to build the case for a new airport over the past month, educating voters about funding and regional business benefits.

Here’s what some of the region’s leading brokers and developers are saying about the vote:

"The new airport should be a big benefit to Kansas City in terms of business development in tourism. Right now connecting airlines are simply avoiding Kansas City, but in the future Kansas City will see increased connections and increased air traffic, and this will be great for new businesses that want to locate in our community." Ken Block, Managing Principal, Block Real Estate Services LLC

“The new KCI terminal is a very important step to for our metropolitan area to continue to compete and bring new business to the region.” –Mike Klamm, Managing Director, CBRE

“A new airport will put us in a position to achieve better connections to other major cities. That’s a must if we expect to attract and sustain Fortune 1000 companies.” –Owen Buckley, President, LANE4 Property Group, Inc.

"KCI airport is Kansas City’s 'front door' for both new companies considering a relocation or expansion of their operations. The convenience of direct flights to more destinations will result in more companies locating their central or regional distribution facilities in Kansas City.” -Ora Reynolds, President and CEO, Hunt Midwest

“The city government, civic and business communities put the time in to explain the importance of the vote, and the public responded.” -Jon Copaken, Principal, Copaken Brooks

“I am impressed by the effort of our Kansas City civic leaders. (This is similar to) bi-state or streetcar or other major big momentum changers, but this one is more important. Very big day for KC.” -Mark Long, Executive Managing Director/Principal, Newmark Grubb Zimmer

“This is a great day for the entire Kansas City metro area. The promise of a new KCI will have an immediate effect on our entire community, as we continue our steady ascent up the nationwide ladder of ‘best places to live and work’. Way to go KCMO voters!” -Nathan Anderson, NAI Heartland

“The new single terminal promises to usher in a wide array of new opportunities for the entire region. I’m excited for what that means for our city’s ability to grow and attract new businesses to the area.” –Russell Pearson, NAI Heartland

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.