July 25, 2020

Lee’s Summit Mayor Bill Baird presented a conceptual plan and potential funding program for the Downtown Farmer’s Market and Conservatory to City Council at its July 21 meeting. Following the presentation, City Council gave City Manager Steve Arbo approval to proceed with a request for qualification to identify a master developer for the project, which will include a mix of public and private spaces.

“This is an exciting moment for our community. Through long-term planning and coordination with our downtown partners, we’ve created a framework that will transform our downtown environment,” said Mayor Baird. “With purpose, we designed a conceptual plan that supports and enhances the outstanding features already present in our downtown community.”

The City held conceptual planning meetings with leaders representing Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street and the Downtown Community Improvement District to develop a common vision for the proposed site near Southeast Green Street and Southeast Third Street. The conceptual plan consists of a permanent farmer’s market, conservatory, boutique hotel, mixed-use commercial building, outdoor performance area, apartment complex and courtyard.

“There have been many years of work to reach this point. A partnership between the public sector and private sector will allow us to accomplish long-range goals expressed in the 2004 Downtown Master Plan,” said City Manager Steve Arbo. “We’re anxious to hear ideas from potential master development firms and determine a path forward. Our hope is to identify a single master developer who is capable of putting together multiple elements to achieve a successful outcome.”

In April 2013, Lee’s Summit voters approved a $2,898,000 general obligation bond for the purpose of constructing and rehabilitating public improvements for cultural arts, including improvements to the Legacy Park Amphitheater, rehabilitating the former city hall building, and the creation of a downtown performance and festival space. The combination of an outdoor performance area and permanent farmer’s market aligns with the long-term vision for downtown. Funding for the project will come from the remaining bond balance, proceeds set aside from the sale of surplus properties, a partnership with the Downtown Community Improvement District and potential private investment.

The City will issue a request for qualification from potential master development firms. For more information about the Downtown Farmer’s Market and Conservatory, visit https://cityofls.net/downtown-farmers-market-and-conservatory.