By Ben McCarthy
From single-story buildings to skyscrapers, Leawood’s Governing Body and its Planning Commission continued paving the way for developments big and small this past month.
On April 28, the Leawood Planning Commission unanimously approved the final development plan for a 12-story office tower to become Lockton’s new, global headquarters in the Hallbrook North development.
Lockton, the world’s largest privately held independent insurance broker, will serve as the centerpiece of the Hallbrook North (north of College Boulevard, and west of State Line Road) mixed-use development. While Lockton plans to have its new headquarters open by early 2030, Hallbrook North will also feature a luxury hotel, restaurants, child care facilities, retail shopping, and multifamily housing. The $766 million development is being spearheaded by VanTrust Real Estate, based in the Country Club Plaza.
Lockton says locally sourced limestone will feature prominently throughout the site, which will connect to the adjacent Leawood Dog Park and City Park. A second phase is planned for an additional office building of approximately 225,000 square feet.
The new headquarters was announced last December, when Lockton said it would be leaving its current location in the Country Club Plaza and moving across State Line Road. The company was founded in 1966 by Jack Lockton as a small insurance brokerage, and operated above a laundromat in Westport, along 43rd street. The company has moved five times since then, before landing at its current location in 2000. The move comes despite Kansas City Mayor Quentin Lucas’s declaration last October that he would fight to keep the company in his city.
Town Center developments
The Leawood Governing Body also unanimously approved plans in April to accelerate new development at its longtime retail destination.
A presentation by Drake Development highlighted design plans for new restaurant concepts at the former Houlihan’s site in Leawood’s Town Center Plaza, accompanied by an announcement from the company’s president that four new tenants were set to open next spring.
While the identity of the four new tenants was not disclosed, one indication was of a Los Angeles-based sit down coffee shop concept. Two restaurants in place were described as an “upscale, American bistro,” and the other an “upscale health-focused concept” offering salads, bowls, and wraps.
Demolition of the Houlihan’s building may commence by the end of this month, and tenants announced within 90 days. New businesses would be open by Spring 2027.
Earlier this year, Federal Realty, which acquired Town Center Plaza and Town Center Crossing last July for $289 million, announced plans for other new retailers in the coming year.
Jill McCarthy, Senior Director of Marketing at Federal Realty, says the company aims to transform Town Center into a destination that mirrors its other shopping center successes around the country, and gives shoppers modern flexibility.
“When you look at our properties around the country nothing is a one-note,” McCarthy said. “We want to provide people the same access to things that they get online, but give it to them in a brick and mortar setting.”
COACH store and novel The Coach Coffee Shop will debut at Town Center Crossing next to EVEREVE. This coffee shop retail concept will be only the third location in the country. LEGO is planning a summer opening in Town Crossing next to Tecovas.
Local Lime Tacos and Margaritas will open this summer on the north side of Town Center Plaza, promising vibrant cocktails and a made-fresh, chef-driven Cali-Mex menu. Drybar, offering blowdry services, will soon open next to Trader Joe’s. lululemon will expand its existing space in Town Center Crossing, while currently operating out of a temporary space in Town Center Plaza between White House/Black Market and Altar’d State. J.Crew recently opened a 5,226 square foot store near Kendra Scott and Bluemercury.
Looking to expand Town Center and Leawood’s growing lineup of new boutique fitness options, Solidcore is under construction between Athleta and Gorjana, and slated for opening this summer. McCarthy says they are confident that the area can continue adding to this category of businesses without any worries of oversaturation in the market.
“Town Center is the type place that will do better with multiple boutique fitness locations in the fold,” McCarthy said. “Someone who is already doing yoga (at PowerLife) might want to try Pilates at Solidcore.”
83rd Street Reconstruction Project begins in Leawood
The City of Leawood’s 83rd Street reconstruction project will affect traffic along 83rd Street from State Line Road to the city’s western limits. The road closures are associated with WaterOne waterline improvements along the corridor.
The project includes replacing the pavement, installing new curb and gutter, pedestrian improvements including reducing roadway width for traffic calming and creating additional buffer space between traffic and sidewalks, and installing a new signal at State Line Road with safer signal phasing for pedestrians.
- May 7, 83rd Street will close from State Line Road to Lee Boulevard.
- May 13, 83rd Street will close from Lee Boulevard to North Ensley.
- May 26, 83rd Street will close from Mission Road to North Ensley as WaterOne begins work on the Prairie Village section of the project. Contractors will simultaneously focus on completing roadway improvements from North Wenonga to Mission Road.
Completion is anticipated from Mission Road to North Wenonga before school resumes. The remaining portions of the project are expected to be completed by mid-December.
Additional project details and updates are available at leawood.org/83rdstreet.