LENEXA, Kan. — Lenexa's renovated downtown is entering the next phase of its City Center project.
City leaders hope new developments near Interstate 435 and 87th Street will make the area a regional destination.
Developer Copaken Brooks joined Lenexa officials Thursday for a ribbon-cutting to celebrate the opening of office and retail buildings.
It continues the transformation of an area that already boasts a new Johnson Country Library branch, City Hall, indoor recreation center, the Shawnee Mission School District Aquatics Center and new apartments.
Last year, the Public Market opened and business has been booming ever since for Red Kitchen Tamales.
"We’re growing, and it’s amazing," Red Kitchen owner Alejandra de la Fuente said. "I love it."
Since the eatery opened last September, de le Fuente has appreciated the vibe the Public Market brings.
"To see all the community come together and to help first businesses, like small business like me, with a library now, recently opened (it) is drawing more people," she said.
Long-time Lenexa residents Raymond and Mary Newell are among those who have enjoyed the changes.
"(It's) just amazing what they’ve done out here," Raymond said. "Every time I come out, something new is added or something’s changed. (I) can’t keep up with all the changes."
Mary added, "I love the new library. It’s so convenient and the people there are just spot on."
Lenexa Mayor Mike Boehm said the idea came about nearly 20 years ago, when the public expressed a desire for more mixed-use development. He hopes this City Center will be a draw for the area.
"This is just one more step in that regional draw and a place for our citizens to hang out," Boehm said.
Currently, 36% of the 175 recently built residential units have been leased. Many more are being built or about to come on the market.
