Bad Axe Throwing planned a Crossroads location. But now the landlord has sued

In early August, Bad Axe Throwing confirmed a new Crossroads location to open by late September.

A “Bad Axe Throwing” sign was hung over the 6,000-square-foot space at 1727-1729 Oak St., and the company said it would be one of its largest clubs.

Customers would soon be whipping “perfectly sharpened axes through the air at wooden targets” to challenge their precision and skill.

But now a “For Lease” sign covers the logo, with just the “bad” and “owing” letters still showing.

Surface Companies Inc., doing business as Surface Real Estate Holdings, has filed suit in Jackson County Associate Circuit Division against Bad Axe Throwing USA for rent and possession of the spot.

Surface Companies said it delivered the space in “white box” condition on Sept. 10 and “warranted A-3 zoning with a capacity of 125” people. It said Bad Axe Throwing began making some improvements. The lease was to run through July 31, 2021.

But in court documents, Surface Companies said Bad Axe Throwing later attempted to rescind its acceptance of the premises. It says Bad Axe Throwing owes $13,628.63 for rent, utilities and other expenses as of Oct. 11.

Officials with Surface Companies did not return phone calls.

Canada-based Bad Axe Throwing said they did not take possession of the spot and that the space was not up to code per a “team inspection” report by the city.

In the Sept. 18 report, the inspector found work had been done on the property that was “not properly permitted. Two new front entrance(s) were added with both having ramps and/or steps added on the exterior side, that are not compliant. These were also built on the city sidewalk and require an encroachment permit.

“Inside, a bathroom was added and plumbing, electrical and mechanical work has been done with no permits. There has also been several new HVAC units added that hang from the ceiling. Since there was been work done that was never properly permitted I cannot proceed with the change of use to your requested A-3 occupancy.”

But Bad Axe Throwing could still be coming to the Crossroads.

“We’re looking at other properties, so we are definitely still interested,” said Mario Zelaya, president and CEO of Bad Axe Throwing USA.

The company hopes to join another ax-throwing business, Blade & Timber, which now has locations in the West Bottoms and Leawood.

This story was originally published October 24, 2018 at 5:30 AM.