KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Shops on Blue Parkway shopping center near Blue Parkway and Kennsington Avenue is being redeveloped, and the owners hope the changes attract more retail tenants.
Frank Joseph lives eight blocks from the shopping center. He's pleased with the Sun Fresh grocery store that anchors the shopping center, but he wants more retailers to move in.
"This is a big improvement, and you don't have to go way out to Independence to shop at a great store," said Joseph.
The Sun Fresh grocery store moved in less than two years ago, and has been a success according to owner Don Gibson.
"We think by giving our customers what they want at a fair price, with the quality they can get in the suburbs, we'll continue to grow," said Gibson.
However, Gibson's store is surrounded by several vacant store fronts. A problem William Jones wants to solve.
"I'm in the business of having grocery stores and other businesses attracting customers. That's the business were in," said Jones.
Jones is the president of Swope Community Builders, which owns the Shops on Blue Parkway. He recently hired a commercial broker to help attract new retail tenants.
"People are starting to discover there is wealth here," said Jones.
Boost Mobile a mobile phone store, has already moved in, and soon the Blue Parkway Cleaners and a Burger King Restaurant will follow.
The Burger King will be owned by Genesh, Inc. which currently operates 40 Burger King Restaurants and 14 Denny's restaurants. The newly built facility is scheduled to open in January of 2010.
"We believe this location is going to be one our highest volume locations," said Tony Robinson, Genesh Inc., chief operating officer.
5th district council member Terry Riley agrees. Riley believes new businesses would serve a grossly under served Kansas City community. Residents who would eagerly patronize quality neighborhood businesses.
"This is a shot in the arm to the people in community. People can shop in their own neighborhood, they can ride the bus there. They can walk there," said Riley.
All three retailers should be open by the end of January 2010.
