Local Property Owner Commits to Rehabilitating Roeland Park Shopping Center

News Summary

TMM Roeland Park Center LLC has pledged to revitalize the Roeland Park shopping center following pressure from city officials. With mounting vacancies and declining community engagement, the property owner is hiring specialists to implement improvements. City officials welcome the renewed collaboration, highlighting plans for enhanced accessibility and a more vibrant retail experience. Optimism grows as fresh ideas are introduced to rejuvenate this essential retail hub.

Local Property Owner Commits to Revitalizing a Neglected Shopping Center in Roeland Park

In a notable move to address longstanding disrepair at a mostly vacant shopping center in Roeland Park, Kessinger/Hunter & Co. LC has announced plans for significant renovations after sustained pressure from city officials. The shopping center, which is primarily anchored by a Walmart, has faced challenges due to numerous empty storefronts, including a former CVS location that’s been vacant since 2021, along with a closed T-Mobile and a liquor store.

Strategic Hiring and Development Collaboration

TMM Roeland Park Center LLC, the owner of the shopping complex and associated with Kessinger/Hunter, has taken a proactive step by engaging industrial and retail specialists and a construction manager. Notably, two of the newly hired professionals will be embarking on their first full-time roles within the real estate sector, indicating a fresh influx of ideas and enthusiasm into the project.

City officials, including City Administrator Keith Moody, had previously struggled to engage with TMM regarding the vacant CVS store, leading to concerns over the management of the shopping center. City leaders noted that attempts to communicate with TMM concerning the store went unanswered throughout 2023. However, following the mounting pressure from the city, TMM has committed to improving the shopping center and working diligently to attract a new tenant for the vacant CVS site.

A Glance at Current Tenants

In addition to Walmart, the shopping center includes other recognizable names such as Taco Bell, and The Roe Shops – a smaller strip mall that hosts seven retail spaces. Currently, the strip mall is home to a variety of establishments, such as a beauty supply store, a video game shop, and a mobile phone provider, injecting some vibrancy into the otherwise underutilized area.

Previous Financial Agreements and Future Expectations

TMM entered into a Community Improvement District (CID) agreement with the city back in 2012, which introduced a 1% sales tax at the shopping center from 2013 until 2019, ultimately generating approximately $3.3 million. Despite these funds being raised, they remain unallocated for reimbursements, highlighting the financial complexities surrounding the property.

Looking ahead, TMM is poised to seek the necessary approvals for improving the shopping center’s parking lot. This includes collaborating with the owners of Taco Bell, T-Mobile, and Walmart to establish a new traffic pattern and enhance curb conditions. Such improvements are expected to reach completion by August 1, 2025, which could significantly enhance accessibility and usability for shoppers.

A City Council’s Renewed Optimism

The commitment from TMM has been met with renewed optimism from local government leaders, including Mayor Michael Poppa, who expressed appreciation for the company’s newfound cooperation. This partnership could lead to a revitalization of the shopping center, helping to attract new business and reinvigorate a key commercial hub in Roeland Park.

As improvements take shape, local residents and shoppers will keenly anticipate seeing enhancements that not only fill the empty storefronts but also enhance the overall appeal of the shopping center on Roe Boulevard, conveniently located near Interstate 35 in Johnson County.

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Additional Resources

• Johnson County Post
• Wikipedia: Shopping Center
• Fort Worth Business
• Google Search: Roeland Park Shopping Center
• Kansas City Star
• Google Scholar: Retail Trends
• Daily Camera
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Real Estate
• Dallas Innovates
• Google News: Property Improvements