Leawood’s old City Hall to be demolished in proposed site plan. See the details

Leawood residents could see the old City Hall building demolished and the fire station transformed into a community center for a project that’s been part of a larger push to improve pedestrian access in the community.

Following direction from the City Council in October, the city’s Parks and Recreation Department is coming back to the Planning Commission on Tuesday night with more specific plans for the nearly 4 acre site on 96th Street and Lee Boulevard, which includes the historic City Hall building and former fire station.

The proposed plan calls for demolition of the old City Hall building and alterations to the old fire station to become a community space.

Despite a resident push to save old City Hall to be renovated to a coffee and ice cream shop in October, council members expressed concern that the building would be challenging to reuse because it’s been vacant for about 30 years — with mold and asbestos contamination and accessibility challenges being concerns.

Many council members were concerned that the repairs needed for the building would call for significant investment from the city. But the fire station could be saved.

According to the staff report, the former station would be altered to include a multi-purpose space in the central garage, a kitchenette in the south garage, a concessions area near the southeast corner of the building, restrooms in the building’s east wing, and a display case for a retired fire truck from 1948 in the north garage.

A new patio with decorative pavement extending along the east, south and west sides of the fire station would sit adjacent to a proposed concessions window.

The remaining space on the site would be developed into a park that includes a playground, trellis, and demonstration garden. A walking trail would potentially surround the site with interior walking paths woven into the green space.

The current parking lot on the east side of the building would be removed and relocated to the west side, with 34 spaces available and one ADA reserved space, and a new crosswalk along Lee Boulevard with rectangular rapid flashing beacons will be installed for pedestrian access.

Continued push for preservation

Residents within 500 feet of the project were notified and the city had a meeting to get feedback from neighbors in early November, some of whom still pushed for the City Hall to be saved.

“I really wish that the City of Leawood would reconsider saving the historical City Hall,” Leawood resident Mary Vizcarra wrote on a public comment form – which was attached in the staff report. “It is not a large building and it fits beautifully on the proposed site plan.”

Instead of using the site for a particular project, Vizcarra asked if it could just be left for preservation.

“Once destroyed, it cannot be recreated. History is important to preserve,” she said.

JoLynn Hobbs wrote that demolishing City hall is “a tragedy,” and that she’d rather see the money allotted to demolition be allotted to restore the building and register it as a historical building.

“Out of respect for the Leawood residents who value our history, for the previous mayors — who have served our city and have requested saving City Hall — for the Leawood Historic Commission, who have pleaded for the building for years, please reconsider demolishing the original city hall,” she said.

Mixed feelings

Several commenters had concerns about the proposed walking trail, which would bump up against several nearby homes, and requested adding more crosswalks or decreasing the speed limit to improve pedestrian safety on Lee Boulevard in particular.

“I don’t think anyone would want random people walking on a trail that looks into your backyard,” resident Ellen Brown said. “The trail is so small it doesn’t make sense that anyone would be walking in such a small area.”

Resident John Blumb suggested that the pathways be arranged to include a buffer zone along the property line to help keep people back from homes.Several other residents suggested adding plants to create a barrier or additional fencing along the property line to boost privacy for homeowners.

Even though there remain some concerns, several residents seemed excited about the project.

“I like the current proposed plan, taking into consideration neighboring properties,” resident Lora Christian said. “Currently, there is no spot in north Leawood that would allow for meetings/community space other than City Park.”

“I like the improvements!” fellow resident Carol Steele wrote. “I believe the 96th and Lee master plan will help the community have a place for events and activities throughout the year.”

After hearing the plan’s details, the Planning Commission will either recommend approval, denial or modifications for the City Council, which is set to discuss the project on Dec. 15.

The Planning Commission meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 4800 Town Center Drive. Residents can review the proposed site plans on the city’s website.