Mallory Herrmann
citydesk@lstribune.net

A new branch of the Mid-Continent Public Library is one step closer to opening in Lee’s Summit. The branch would be the third location in the city, located at 2240 SE Blue Parkway, just north of U.S. Highway 50 near the Lee’s Summit Medical Center.

The building is slated to total 18,500 square feet with a low-key, mid-century style of architecture and featuring a lot of glass facing the highway. It will have vehicle access from both Blue Parkway and SE Battery Drive. The preliminary development plan indicates a large grass basin and a lower impact landscaping buffer to promote neighborhood visibility and pedestrian accessibility. Its services will include a drive-up service window and an outdoor patio or plaza adjacent to the children’s section of the library.

The planning commission voted unanimously to recommend the development for approval. Commissioner Herman Watson was absent from the Oct. 25 meeting. The preliminary development plan will now go to the city council for approval.