Lane4 gives update on Red Bridge Shopping Center

By Kathy Feist

Owen Buckley, President of Lane4 Property Group, updated residents on the Red Bridge Shopping Center at the October 27 Center Planning and Development Council meeting held at the Trailside Center. 

Buckley said the shopping center, located at Red Bridge and Holmes roads, is currently 95% occupied, with the newest tenant, a doggie daycare called Playful Pack, filling in the second space at the former library building. (Caravel Autism Health center moved into the building in September.)

Buckley said the former Tanner’s Bar and Grill remains up for lease. To attract tenants, the 8800 sq. ft. space may be split. “You just don’t see a demand for large restaurants anymore,” he said. 

Though Farm Fresh Market grocery store was struggling, Buckley said he had confidence in the operator.

“The owner is committed,” he said. “He’s doing what he needs to do to figure out the right formula.”  

He said the store is dealing with “ferocious competition” and a lack of young families in the area. It also needed more support from the neighborhood  “The grocery store cannot be a convenience store for you,” he said. “It has to start being your go-to grocery store.” 

Buckley said Lane4 invested $4 million in the renovation of the grocery store, in particular the front facade, landscaping and parking lot. 

Buckley also encouraged shoppers to patronize The Sweet Granada, a handmade chocolate and candy store based out of Emporia, Kansas. The small family-owned company recently won runner up in USA Today’s Reader’s Choice Award for Best Chocolate Shop in the United States.

Ten years ago Lane4 purchased the shopping center, then only 40 percent occupied. After a complete remodel, the failing shopping district, founded in 1959, recovered, becoming a destination center due to its upscale aesthetics, unique local shops and restaurants and the addition of Wonderscope Children’s Museum.

“It has been one of the most gratifying things we’ve ever done,” said Buckley. 

SKC Crime Report

In a crime report provided by Major Kari Thompson of South Patrol, the address that gets the most police calls is 10232 Wornall Rd., a QuikTrip. Thompson advised against leaving a vehicle running while inside the convenience store.

Thompson also advised against giving money to panhandlers. “They are using the money for ‘other things,'” she said, adding that the city has available help for the houseless if they need it.

One attendee, Mary Nestel, said she had rescued someone who was being trafficked as a panhandler. In exchange for room and board, the individual was transported to a location to panhandle.

Development Report

Susan Cronander, City planner for the Sixth District, gave a short report on recent developments in the area.

108 E 92 Ave (Troost) – Seeking rezoning and development of a nine building, three-story apartment complex.

13208 Holmes Rd – Zoned for mixed use, currently vacant property.

115th & Holmes Rd – Applied for water service lines for townhouse development.

13643 Holmes Rd – Building expansion at Midwest Recovery Detox Center.

1014 W 103 St. – Special use for used car sales and light repair at former Silver Lining Auto Sales bought by Molle.

13321 Cherry St. – Expansion into a portion of residential property for Silverback Storage

Cronander encouraged individuals to participate in a survey for the Wornall Corridor Plan.  The City is looking for ideas to improve the road extending from Gregory Road to 85th Street.