A new multi-building commercial node planned in west Lenexa that includes a child care center is moving forward.
Last week, the Lenexa City Council unanimously approved the preliminary plan for the Canyon Creek Commercial project at Prairie Star Parkway and Shady Bend Road.
Canyon Creek Commercial will serve as neighborhood node
This area of Lenexa, near St. James Academy Catholic High School, is intended to be a mixed-use zone, which combines housing and complementary commercial uses in one area.
In past land-use plans, this section of the city was actually identified to be commercial, but over time, these plans have shifted, said Planning Manager Stephanie Kisler. Multiple neighborhoods and housing-oriented developments have been approved, including the Arbor Lake neighborhood and the Mize Hill multifamily villa project nearby.
The plan as it stands today is to have this particular property be something of a commercial “node,” Kisler said. That keeps in line with the initial plans for nonresidential uses in the area while also providing more neighborhood-type retail and services to individuals living in the area.
Roughly 25,000 square feet of commercial space is planned
- The complex will have three single-story buildings, sitting on a four-acre property.
- Though an exact tenant has not been publicly discussed, the easternmost building planned will be home to a child care center with an outdoor playground.
- Councilmember Courtney Eiterich said she’s particularly excited to see that element in the plans “because it’s much needed.”
- The remaining two buildings will have room for multiple tenants, and could be taken up by coffee shops, small restaurants, low-impact retail or offices.
- Councilmember Dan Roh noted this particular project will serve sort of as a test case for the commercial node concept, something encouraged by Lenexa’s Vision 2040.
Council discussed fencing, other concerns at length
- There was quite a bit of discussion last Tuesday about the buildings’ proposed alignment in relation to the roadway and how they might appear aesthetically as drivers pass them.
- Additionally, councilmembers and the mayor talked at length about the type of fence that might be best suited for the child care side of the property.
- The preliminary plan was later approved without opposition.
Lenexa’s next steps:
- Now that the preliminary plan is authorized, the developer will need to bring a final plan.
- The planning commission usually has the final say on those in Lenexa.
- After that, the major hurdles will be cleared.
Dig deeper: Revised Arbor Lake South plan in Lenexa near K-7 makes room for commercial spaces
