By Kathy Feist
In the last few years, the once flourishing Robandee Shopping Center on Bannister and James A Reed roads has been the site for dumping grounds, parking lot burnouts, and the threat of homeless living.
On June 1st, the last remaining open retail shop, a liquor store, burned to the ground. The once great mall heaved its last breath.
One city councilman has hope for its revival–that is, if the city council agrees with his plan.
On July 17, 5th District City Councilman Darrell Curls will introduce a proposal to the city council to appropriate up to $1 million for the acquisition of the Robandee Shopping Center.
“My idea is that all of the buildings will come down,” Curls explains, “so that new development can take place there.”
The city would eventually sell the property to private developers.
Curls says he already has heard from a few interested parties who have expressed interest in housing or mixed-use developments at the location. “South Kansas City needs more housing,” Curls reminds.
One such person is the current owner, Babar Khan with Commodity Express based out of Texas. A spokesperson for the company shared a rendering of the company’s future plans for the property.
In a statement to the Telegraph, they said, “A lot of vandalism and break-ins and recent fire is unfortunate. We look forward to estimating this for the community and not only offer jobs but plans that bring in kick-starter organizations that promote entrepreneurship.”
Khan has named CBRE as the commercial real estate broker for the retail properties.
Curls has heard promises of future plans from Khan before. Khan purchased the property in 2019. But Curls feels the community needs quick action.
Demolition of the fire-destroyed buildings is expected in the next 60 to 90 days, says Curls. If the city acquires the property, the rest of the shopping center will also be demolished. Once gone, a fence will surround the property, protecting it from illegal dumping and homeless encroachment, until it is sold.
While Curls has been in touch with the owner of the property, he has not discussed the current plan with him. He hopes he will take it under consideration. “It’s an opportunity for the city to do something for the property if the owner doesn’t want to,” he says.
The property, prior to the fire, was appraised at $460,000. “It could be of less value now,” says Curls.
Robandee Shopping Center opened in the 70s with a grocery store, roller skating rink, hardware store, beauty salons and more. “I remember when Robandee was booming,” recalls Curls, who grew up in the area. “It was a thriving economic center for south Kansas City.”
By 2008, the grocery store had closed, creating a domino effect with the remaining retail shops. The property soon became a concern for surrounding neighbors who reported illegal dumping, late night burnout parties, and lack of upkeep.
Many are ready to put that version of Robandee behind them.
Not too far away is a revitalization of the area, and hope for Robandee.
A new Starbucks, Arvest Bank, Taco Bell, Price Chopper, two apartment developments and a senior center have been built, or are being built, along Bannister Road.
“The Bannister Corridor is coming alive,” says Curls. “Robandee can be an added attraction to the Corridor.”
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