IKEA may be coming to Merriam Village

[Highlander]

Bannister failed with MAJOR national tenants there.

It opened with 4 major tenants - Penney's, Sears, Macy's (original), and Jones. Macy's went under and the space never reopened. Penney's has been a troubled retailer for a long time and that space closed before the center did. Jones was also a troubled retailer and was bought out and converted to a clearance center and either was still opened or closed before the center closed . Sears was also a troubled retailer which is still struggling.

Other reasons also exist, one being the change in the neighborhood from middle class to lower class.

The demise of Bannister Mall had nothing to do with the solvency of its tenants. It had everything to do with changes in the neighborhood's socio-economic status and the soon-to-follow reputation, whether deserved or not, as the car theft capitol of the metro. I've read that shoplifting on a large scale also drove several retailers out of the area. I've seen malls and retail centers all over the country crater under similar circumstances.

[slimwhitman]

The demise of Bannister Mall had nothing to do with the solvency of its tenants. It had everything to do with changes in the neighborhood's socio-economic status and the soon-to-follow reputation, whether deserved or not, as the car theft capitol of the metro. I've read that shoplifting on a large scale also drove several retailers out of the area. I've seen malls and retail centers all over the country crater under similar circumstances.

But that won't happen if/when they rebuild retail at this location. Why?...Well, because it won't.

[SWFan]

Tomorrow they break ground.

http://www.kmbc.com/news/kansas-city/gr ... olute=true

[slimwhitman]

It seems that IKEA owns the water retention property behind Hendrick Chevrolet on SM Parkway. Perhaps they also have an option on the dealership site as well. I had heard that dealership was planning to move to I-35.

Why would IKEA also want this property?

[kcmetro]

It seems that IKEA owns the water retention property behind Hendrick Chevrolet on SM Parkway. Perhaps they also have an option on the dealership site as well. I had heard that dealership was planning to move to I-35.

Why would IKEA also want this property?

Hotel?

[grovester]

Real estate speculation perhaps? Or some kind of storm water runoff surchard credit for all the asphalt they are creating.

[flyingember]

some companies like to tie up space for future expansion. like if KC is successful as a store they have a lot for warehouse space

[bbqboy]

Have there been any Ikea stores that have failed?

[flyingember]

Have there been any Ikea stores that have failed?

successful in terms of Ikea.

at some point Ikea is going to need more distribution space in general. KC is already a major shipping hub so it would make sense they would consider the area. Then again, I don't see why they would put that in such an expensive real estate location.

[KCMax]

IKEA plans massive geothermal project for Merriam location

[taxi]

That would explain why they bought the extra land.

[Highlander]

IKEA plans massive geothermal project for Merriam location

I have to wonder whether this will be over the shelf life of the store a money-losing proposition? Great advertising but energy in the US isn't exactly expensive and this seems pretty capital intensive with some potentially high op costs.

[heatherkay]

Corporate-wide, they have a commitment to energy independence by 2020. I would imagine all new stores worldwide will be getting this sort of treatment.

http://www.smartplanet.com/blog/bulleti ... -2020/3521

[flyingember]

drove by this today. the frame is up to two stories.

one thing about this store, it will stand out from I-35 very well. blue and yellow with a view

[KCMax]

St. Louis is getting an IKEA.

[Eon Blue]

In the City, even.

[pash]

.

[STLguy1]

Ikea will begin construction in midtown St. Louis just west of downtown. In addition there will be a new hotel and residential highrise. Fox STL also is reporting that METRO will be adding a new rail station connecting the blue and red line trains to the IKEA complex.

Nice addition to the city core.

[chaglang]

Is it going in that dead spot west of the library on Olive?

[Eon Blue]

Southwest corner of Vandeventer and Forest Park Avenue.