September 10, 2022

The Lee’s Summit City Council met September 6 to discuss these issues.

Downtown Market Plaza Ice House Disposition
City Council held a public hearing on the disposition of the Ice House located at the southeast corner of Green and Second streets within the Downtown Market Plaza redevelopment area.

A structural analysis performed by Leigh & O’Kane estimated a cost of between $2.6 million and $3.4 million to restore the building. Given the costs for redevelopment, the assessment team does not believe a project that would reuse the Ice House would be financially viable for either the City, a future tenant, or a buyer.

Should the building be redeveloped for reuse as part of the Downtown Market Plaza, there will be significant challenges including:

• Structural and environmental deficiencies present in the existing building and site are numerous.

• The cost of the initial rehabilitation to make the property ready for a tenant is excessive and does not include the final design and construction costs for the tenant to finish the project for their use.

• Those same rehabilitation costs would be required of a buyer to complete the project. The amount of work required, and the cost of such work would lower the potential sale price. Tenant finish work by the buyer or tenant would still be required in addition to the rehabilitation costs.
• The application processes for both National Register listing and historic tax credits will delay the development of the Downtown Market Plaza project.
• As the property owner, the City cannot directly apply for historic tax credits, but could engage a long-term tenant (developer) who could fund the rehabilitation and apply for the credits.

• The City can fund the National Register nomination of the building prior to the sale, to potentially make the property attractive to potential developers.

• Investors and developers would typically offset a portion of project costs on adaptive reuse projects through historic tax credits. The City could either sell the structure to or secure a long-term lease with an interested party (developer) who could apply for the historic tax credits for reuse that is compatible with the surrounding development and neighboring properties.

Following the public hearing, City Council made a motion directing staff to proceed with the demolition of the Ice House but focus on preserving key elements of the Ice House structure. The motion passed.

Constitution Week Proclamation
Mayor Bill Baird issued a proclamation declaring September 17 – 23 as Constitution Week to mark the 253rd anniversary of the drafting of the Constitution of the United States. The purpose of the week is to remind citizens to reaffirm and defend the principles of the United States Constitution and to vigilantly and fearlessly protect their freedoms guaranteed in the constitution.

Chapter 353 Redevelopment Plan for the Downtown Market Plaza
City Council held a public hearing on the authorization of a Chapter 353 Redevelopment Plan for the Downtown Market Plaza project. Chapter 353 encourages the redevelopment of blighted areas by assisting in the removal of blight and blighting conditions. Establishes one cohesive project for the entire area.

The director of Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street read a statement from its board of directors that expressed support for the 353 Redevelopment Plan.

City Council gave initial approval to the 353 Redevelopment Plan for the Lee’s Summit Downtown Market Plaza Redevelopment Area.
The next meeting is September 13.