By Tony Madden
U.S. Rep. Emmanuel Cleaver II, Grandview officials, local vendors and community members gathered on Main Street Monday to celebrate the opening of Grandview Station. The multipurpose facility at 514 Main St. will host the Grandview Farmers Market seasonally and be used for community events year-round.
The $2 million facility broke ground late last year. Now, the structure is complete with slanted rooftops, towering windows, easy-access garage doors and a full kitchen. The ribbon-cutting came just ahead of this year’s Grandview Farmers Market season, which lasts from July 8 until Oct. 31.
A sizable crowd took shape under the pavilion for remarks, free food from vendors, and foremost, to celebrate Grandview Station. Attendees included U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II; State Sen. Patty Lewis; State Rep. Anthony Ealy; Jackson County Executive Phil Levota; Jackson County Legislators Manny Abarca and DaRon McGee; the Grandview Board of Aldermen; the Grandview Police Department; and the Grandview Fire Department.
A hush of anticipation fell over attendees as they listened to officials’ remarks at the Main Street entrance. Grandview Mayor Leonard Jones took to the podium to discuss what he called a “revolutionized” piece of undeveloped land in downtown Grandview.
“We started out with nothing but grass,” Jones said as he thanked City Administrator Cemal Gungor as well as Jim Clay, the project designer and architect for the city of Grandview.
As officials gathered to cut the ribbon, Rep. Cleaver led the crowd in a prayer to bless the facility. The congressman gave thanks and asked for motivation and direction for patrons of Grandview Station.
The $2.1 million for Grandview Station was secured due in part to Rep. Cleaver. The congressman helped the city get an $850,000 federal Community Project Funding grant, which was accompanied by a $750,000 Community Development Block Grant from the state, $350,000 in 2022 bond money, and $150,000 in city funds.
The federal money was announced by Rep. Cleaver and city officials in March on the same day he announced the facility’s name. “Grandview Station,” which pays homage to the city’s depot on the Kansas City Southern Railroad that closed in 1969, was chosen through a citizen survey earlier this year.
“Cities need more stuff like this, where a community can gather,” said farmers market vendor Susan Chase. “Whether it’s a farmers market or other city events.”
This will be Chase’s first year at the Grandview Farmers Market after being approached by Downtown Grandview Main Street, Inc. Chase is from Lee’s Summit, where she runs Remedy & Refill. The business offers herbal teas and remedies by the ounce and a “comprehensive zero-waste refillery.” Customers can stock up on products using any glass jar with a lid.
The Grandview Farmers Market season kicks off at Grandview Station on Wednesday, July 8, as the market debuts its new weekday hours. This year, the market is open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. until noon and on Wednesdays from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m.