Gardner Gets Growing

Big things are taking shape in Gardner as Brinkmann Constructors and Panattoni Development Company break ground on the first phase of Crossroads Commerce Center — a massive new industrial park set to make waves in Johnson County’s booming logistics corridor.

The 467,000-square-foot, concrete tilt-up warehouse will rise on a 24-acre site, serving as the first of eight buildings planned for the master-planned development. Designed to meet the region’s growing demand for Class A distribution space, the facility brings modern functionality, scalable infrastructure, and strategic positioning to one of the metro’s fastest-growing areas.

The initial scope also includes extensive mass grading and new drainage and water retention systems — critical components that will support the future buildout of the entire park.

Gray Design Group is serving as the project architect, bringing a streamlined, tenant-flexible design that blends efficiency with long-term adaptability.

Crossroads Commerce Center is expected to attract tenants across manufacturing, distribution, and logistics sectors — all looking for a modern home in the heart of the Midwest.

Grayson’s Big Swing at 18th & Vine

A powerful new chapter is unfolding at 18th & Vine. Grayson Capital has announced plans to develop a 132-key Tribute Portfolio Hotel in partnership with Marriott International. Set adjacent to the new 30,000-square-foot Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, the project marks the first majority Black-owned hotel in Kansas City in decades.

Led by Grayson Capital CEO Michael Collins, the hotel aims to be more than just a place to stay. “Our goal is to create more than a hotel — this is a cultural destination,” said Collins. “We are building something that reflects the legacy of the Negro Leagues and the vibrancy of the 18th & Vine District.”

The hotel will feature “Reuben and Ella’s,” an upscale restaurant honoring the legacy of the Street Hotel, the city’s last Black-owned hotel. A rooftop bar will offer panoramic views of Downtown, and curated cultural experiences will connect guests with the city’s storied past.

“This project is a powerful extension of our mission to celebrate the history and heroes of the Negro Leagues,” said Bob Kendrick, President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. “It will offer our visitors a new and immersive way to experience the legacy of Black baseball.”

The Tribute Portfolio brand, part of Marriott Bonvoy®, is known for its boutique character and local storytelling, offering guests an authentic connection to each location.

Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas praised the development, calling it “a historic step forward for the 18th and Vine District.”

Construction is expected to begin following completion of the design phase.

KC Streetcar Riverfront Extension

Construction continues on the KC Streetcar Riverfront Extension, a 0.7-mile addition that will connect the Downtown Main Street starter-line to the Berkley Riverfront, enhancing accessibility and catalyzing future development along the riverfront corridor.

The extension begins at 3rd Street and Grand Boulevard in the River Market, crosses the Grand Boulevard Bridge, and ends near the midpoint of Berkley Riverfront. The project aims to provide seamless transit between downtown and the burgeoning mixed-use district, while also improving multi-modal infrastructure.

Next week’s construction activity will focus on sidewalk, curb, and roadway work along 2nd Street.

A portion of the street will remain closed, and traffic adjustments will affect drivers in the area. Northbound traffic on Grand Boulevard will not be able to turn left onto westbound 2nd Street, while eastbound traffic on 2nd Street will not have access to Grand. Motorists are encouraged to use 3rd Street for alternate access.

Work will also continue on the future two-way cycle track along Grand Boulevard between 2nd and 3rd Streets—supporting enhanced bike and pedestrian connectivity. Crews are grading and placing rock at the new Traction Power Substation (TPSS) beneath the bridge and installing brackets on the Overhead Catenary System (OCS) poles.

Sidewalk improvements are also ongoing throughout the Berkley Riverfront area, reflecting the city’s broader vision for a connected, walkable waterfront.

Once complete, the extension is expected to bolster access to residential, recreational, and commercial destinations at the riverfront and reinforce downtown’s position as a multimodal transit hub.

The KC Streetcar Riverfront Extension is a key component of Kansas City’s ongoing infrastructure and mobility investment strategy, drawing interest from real estate developers and civic leaders alike.

Ellis Glen Update: Summer 2025 Opening in Downtown Lee’s Summit

Ellis Glen, downtown Lee’s Summit’s first urban infill mixed-use development since 2001, is on track for July 2025 completion. Developed by Integrity Group Real Estate, the 34,324-square-foot project is replacing a long-blighted parcel with a modern, walkable development just steps from restaurants, retail, and the future Downtown Farmer’s Market.

The three-story building will include 26 upscale residential units—studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom layouts with quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, vinyl plank flooring, and contemporary finishes.

On the ground floor, Ellis Glen will deliver 9,000 square feet of commercial space across three suites:

• Suite A: 2,380 SF

• Suite B: 2,886 SF

• Suite C: 2,948 SF

• The suites are build-to-suit and available at $27/SF NNN, offering retail and office users prime visibility in the heart of downtown.

“Our goal was to optimize the ground floor for retail use while incorporating one- and two-bedroom residential units on the upper levels. The design offers a contemporary take on the historic downtown aesthetic by integrating brick elements and emphasizing natural daylight throughout the spaces. We also introduced outdoor areas in front of the retail units to enhance the walkability of the downtown environment. These flexible outdoor spaces allow each tenant to craft a unique experience tailored to the specific needs of their business,” says Sam Collins Principal at Collins I Webb Architecture.

Neighbors Construction is overseeing vertical construction as general contractor. The Kansas City-based firm brings deep experience in delivering mixed-use and multifamily projects on time and within scope.

"Ellis Glen had tight site lines and all of the trades navigated those well. Much of the work had to be staged to accommodate the tight site. The superintendent on the project, Sean French, was a true leader and truly blossomed during the project. I am really proud of his growth," says Ryan Neighbors, Vice President and Project Manager at Neighbors Construction. 

Named in honor of Ellis Glen Bellis, the grandfather of co-owner Pam Hatcher, the development team includes Pam and Tom Hatcher, Jennifer Meents, and Scott Miles, with funding support from Landmark National Bank.

The project was awarded a 25-year, 75% tax abatement through the LCRA Board. For leasing information, contact Erika at 816-745-0055 or erika@igrekc.com.