KC's east side adds $8 million to Linwood Square

Linwood Investors, LLC, will break ground on its $8 million redevelopment of Linwood Square, a blighted retail strip in the Linwood-Prospect corridor on Kansas City’s east side, next Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2019.

The new project complements the redevelopment of the Linwood Shopping Center, completed in 2017 by the Linwood Investors team.

Linwood Investors’ Donald E. Maxwell envisions a revitalized retail center to attract tenants that will cater to a historically underserved community with goods, services and amenities.

“We’re eager to get this completed,” Maxwell said. “The redevelopment will bring amenities to a neighborhood that has been largely ignored for decades. This has the potential to spark additional investments and transform this community from underserved and overlooked to an attractive place to live, work and play.”

The 55,000 SF property, originally built in 1985, is located on the east side of Prospect Avenue between 30th St. and Linwood Blvd.

In addition to revitalized exterior façades and new roofing, the project will incorporate sustainable design elements including a new exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS), energy-efficient HVAC, mechanical and plumbing upgrades, LED lighting and an interior redesign with a contemporary aesthetic.

The project is being funded with public incentives and private financing. The public improvements include funding from Central City Economic Development Sales Tax Fund, Tax Increment Financing Commission and Public Improvements Advisory Committee.

Led by UMB Financial Corporation, private financing partners include Bank of Blue Valley, Community America Credit Union and Arvest Bank.

Hoefer Wysocki designed the exterior façade and system upgrades as well as the interior spaces. Kansas City general contractor Centric worked closely with the ownership group to increase MBE and WBE participation, exceeding the city’s goals.

The project is scheduled for completion in Summer 2020.