Construction Update
MMC Contractors Completes Expansion
On September 29, MMC Contractors, located at 13800 Wyandotte, celebrated the completion of its building expansion which began in January. The expansion includes 33,500 square feet of additional space added onto the 42,000 sq. ft. of the older building. According to the original plan, the new addition will house 42 new office spaces, an expanded fitness center, new employee locker rooms, more warehouse space, training rooms, and conference and meeting areas. The surrounding parking lot adds 78 additional parking spaces.
Founded in 1932, MMC Contractors is a nationally certified mechanical contractor offering construction services to a number of sectors, including healthcare. The growth should bring in 42 new jobs to the area, bringing their workforce to around 100, according to their original plan. New positions include equipment designers, installation technicians, project coordinators, company managers and back-office support personnel.
FishTech Labs
The construction of the 20,000 square foot FishTech Labs headquarters, 13333 Holmes Rd., appears to be speeding along. According to founder Gary Fish, the outside of the building, including the hardscape, will be complete in early October. However, the scheduled substantial completion date is mid-February and a move in date is expected in late February.
Watts Mill
It was only mid-August when work began at Watts Mill Shopping Plaza, 103rd & State Line. “We are 80 percent complete,” says Jasper Mirabile, who co-owns the property with his brother Leonard. Three tall cedar structures have been erected. The old siding has been replaced with a yellow stucco. The shopping center is waiting for landscaping, signage and a fountain under the structure leading into Marco Polos and Jasper’s. Mirabile expects the reconstruction to be completed by mid-October.
135th Street
The second phase of the reconstruction of 135th Street is nearing its end. Currently sidewalks, pavers, retaining walls, curbing and driveways are in the process of being completed. The Martin City Community Improvement District (MCCID) will celebrate with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, October 24.
The Phase 2 construction project (from Oak Street to Wornall Rd.) included the installation of a new storm water drainage system, the replacement of the water main, the construction of new curbs, sidewalks and driveways, the installation of new street lights and a traffic signal, and the construction of a new road surface. Missy Wilson, MCCID manager and spokesman says “Thank you J.M. Fahey for working to keep traffic flowing along 135th Street and keeping individual businesses open during construction.”
Ward Parkway Shopping Center
You can’t see the construction going on unless you stand near Massage Envy and look down, according to Dave Claflin, spokesman for Legacy Development which oversees Ward Parkway Shopping Center’s expansion. Where once Dillard’s stood on the south end, a 22,235 square foot outdoor patio will appear, complete with five restaurants, fountains, and fire pits. The project is expected to be completed by Spring 2017.
FEMA
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has begun inside demolition of former DeVry’s teaching spaces to make room for 500 employees by early summer. “It is shell ready,” says FEMA’s Public Affairs Specialist Stephanie Adams. FEMA is still in the bidding process for any reconstruction that will take place at the former DeVry University location, 11224 Holmes Rd. Property management is in the process of repaving the front parking lot. FEMA is currently located at 9221 Ward Parkway.
Red Bridge Shopping Center
Very few people can drive past the Red Bridge Shopping Center and not notice the huge transformation taking place. The $8 million reconstruction by Lane4 Developers has included new columns, decorative lighting, new walkways, curbing, landscaping, and repaved parking lot for most of the shopping center. The Cape Cod tower is still in the process of being built on top the roof while roofing is being replaced and repaired. Expansion of Blue Bicycle Fitness Center has also begun.