I received the following update in the City's December Board of Aldermen meeting packet. Looks like some positive things are occurring...
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As we bring 2012 to a close, it is important to evaluate the challenges and successes of our Economic Development efforts over the past year.
Challenges:
The City of Raytown has recently lost a few businesses due to economics or relocation.
The largest real estate relocation was the departure of Roberts Chevrolet to Lee’s Summit. While we certainly wish Roberts would have remained in Raytown, the move now affords the City an opportunity to pursue additional business entities interested in the nearly 4-acre site on 350 Highway. We are already aware of a few interested parties, but nothing has been formally presented to the City.
Buffalo Wild Wings closed its storefront on November 18, 2012 citing a dated interior that would have required extensive and expensive improvements to become compliant with the corporations facility goals. A replacement tenant should be announced soon as the owner of the center has diligently been pursuing other opportunities to fill the space.
Fashion Bug is also closing at the end of the year as the result of the restructuring of the brands parent company. Over 600 Fashion Bug stores in 43 states will close. As such, the center owner is also working with a replacement tenant that will be announced in early 2013.
Of similar circumstance to Fashion Bug, Save-A-Lot grocery closed its Center 63 location less than a year after opening. The firms’ parent company (SuperValue) closed 22 Save-A-Lot stores and over 60 SuperValue stores in an effort to consolidate and restructure. The Center received Chapter 353 Tax Abatement in 2011 after the owner of the center invested over $800,000 in upgrading the former Coddington’s Grocery space, establishing a “white box” 15,000 sf area for a future tenant, parking lot and landscaping improvements. The Tax Abatement for the center is contingent upon maintaining a steady employment base at the site. As such, City staff has met with the ownership team and has expressed that the abatement can and will be nullified if a replacement tenant is not secured by March 1, 2013.
After many years in business, the owner of Towncraft Wood Products retired and closed his business in September 2012.
Opportunities/Positive Momentum:
Towncraft Wood Products’ former building (9616 East 55th Street) is one of the larger industrial properties in Raytown and will soon be filled by a regional firm that produces interior furnishings for national restaurants. This project will bring over 20 new manufacturing jobs to Raytown.
Of similar scope, Heartland Fabrication and 3-Feathers Construction are relocating from Independence to a 25,000 sf industrial building at 10220 East 65th Street in Raytown. The firm manufactures parts for the Department of Defense and specialty cutting tools for the meat processing industry. The project will bring over 60 iron workers and tool & die specialists to the facility. Of special note, the firm will be recognizing a lower cost of doing business in Raytown as they have discovered significant energy savings opportunities through KCPL vs their prior energy provider.
Bowen Apartments (6140 Raytown Road) has been purchased by a new owner and is currently making energy and aesthetic improvements to the 11-story senior living tower. Such improvements will complement the additional activity in Downtown Raytown.
In addition to the improvements at Bowen Apartments, Downtown Raytown is currently experiencing a boost of excitement. Raytown Plaza is a 100,000 sf retail complex at 62nd and Blue Ridge Boulevard that has experienced the negative effects of changing retail patterns over the past decades. The property is currently receiving new tenants and aesthetics under the direction of a new owner including Northcraft Carpet and Granite, Home Skillet, Raytown Raceway, Raven’s Dance Studio and a soon to be expanded sub sandwich restaurant. Raytown tech firm sCOMM has also leased an additional 2,000 sf on the reverse side of the building to accommodate its aggressive growth. More restaurants and retail are planned for the property as parking lot, storefront and façade improvements continue to be completed.
Blue Ridge Plaza, a 90,000 sf retail complex at 52nd and Blue Ridge Boulevard is also gaining new tenants and exterior modifications under new ownership. Napoleon Bakery recently relocated from Westport to the center and is currently open for business.
The former First Baptist Church property at 62nd and Blue Ridge Boulevard is currently secured by JMC Realty through a purchase agreement with the City of Raytown. The firm represents a 40,000 sf single-tenant retailer interested in developing the property. The project would also create 60-90 new jobs. A site plan is currently being developed as the firm continues its due diligence on the property. It is anticipated that a formal sale of the property will occur in late Summer 2013 with construction to commence shortly thereafter. Upon advancement, the project will be completed without the use of development incentives.
B&B Clothing has remodeled an existing building at 9913 East 63rd Street in Downtown Raytown. The owners of the store recently moved to the area from California and offer a wide variety of clothing and accessories.
The Sabah Café, a Middle-Eastern cuisine restaurant, opened at Center 63 (63rd and Raytown Trafficway) in November 2012.
Six office buildings between 55th Street and 58th Street along Raytown Road have new ownership and are aggressively being marketed and filled with a variety of small businesses.
The 60,000 sf former Hy-Vee store is currently receiving significant modifications to become the largest indoor Go Kart/Family Fun Center in the Midwest. Extreme Grand Prix will be opening in the coming weeks and will offer electric go kart racing, bounce houses, dining, meeting space and a variety of additional entertainment options.
In July, the Burger King at Raytown Road and 350 Highway experienced a fire causing significant damage to the facility. After months of architectural re-design, the restaurant is currently under construction and will receive a tremendous modernization. It is anticipated that the remodeled store will be re-opened in the first quarter of 2013.
Chipotle and GameStop recently opened in the Gregory Square retail area at Gregory and 350 Highway. Jimmy John’s is currently completing tenant improvements in the shared building and is scheduled to open on December 28, 2012. Upon the completion of Jimmy Johns, the first phase of construction on the Gregory Square project will be complete. The project demolished a blighted former auto dealership, removed a small environmental concern and developed the property into a new retail area featuring Aldi Foods and the three tenants on the pad site. The project was partially funded by an $850,000 Community Improvement District Loan which will be repaid to the City over a period of twelve years.
Hy-Vee purchased and demolished the former Jeep dealership at 9401 East 350 Highway and will open a Convenience/Fuel Store on December 18, 2012. Future plans may include a car wash and/or coffee shop on the site.
The former Laurel Lanes Bowling Alley is undergoing an extensive interior remodel to become Players Paradise – an indoor baseball skills training facility. The business will cater to competitive youth baseball players and teams. The facility should be fully operational in the coming weeks.
Advanced Eyecare has expanded its building at 67th and Raytown Road to accommodate additional examination rooms.
Calvert’s Auto purchased and renovated the former Car-X building at 350 & Laurel into a clean and visually pleasing auto repair facility.
Kennedy’s Animal Hospital purchased and renovated the former Salon Oasis Day Spa ay 350 & Woodson.
The City has received plans for the Newzroom Café, a casual dining/congregating venue at 6020 Blue Ridge Boulevard across the street from Raytown High School. It is anticipated that the facility will be opened in the first half on 2013.
Additionally, City Staff continues to work with a variety of prospective restaurants, office, retail and industrial firms seeking real estate. It is anticipated that a number of announcements will be forthcoming as the projects advance.
Although the economy appears to be incrementally improving, we must continue to celebrate and sustain our local economy by seeking to spend our dollars in Raytown first. Honoring the businesses in Raytown with our dollars is the absolute best way to assure a solid future for both those firms and the community as a whole. We have no doubt that our future is incredibly positive and Raytown will continue to ride a wave of excitement!
Thomas A. Cole, CEcD
Economic Development Administrator