Overland Park’s overhauled farmers market is getting ready for summer shopping
As we trudge on through the winter cold and snowstorms, there are subtle reminders that warmer and brighter days are on the way — including plans on the horizon to open up a long-awaited, overhauled farmers market in Johnson County.
On Monday, the Overland Park City Council will look at special events permits for the farmers market to take place this spring and summer — including issuing a special events permit for the market’s new location, 7950 Marty Street, starting in early June.
Dubbed the Clock Tower Landing, the $34 million project kicked off construction in December 2024 as part of the city’s efforts to make needed improvements to the space the city has outgrown as the market became more popular and saw larger crowds each year.
According to the city staff report, Overland Park anticipates that they will see 12,000 people on Saturdays and 3,000 people on Wednesdays for its 2026 season.
Spring season at Matt Ross Community Center
As they finish construction at the new site, Kristina Stanley, the farmers market’s manager, is requesting an additional special events permit to allow for the market to continue operating out of the Matt Ross Community Center, located at 8101 Marty Street, which was the market’s home during the 2025 season.
The special events permit for the community center is set to last from April 18 to June 30, according to the staff report. The first farmers market for the spring season is set to kick off on April 19 from 7:30 a.m. until 1 p.m.
The market vendors will be located within the parking lots associated with the community center as well as Marty Street and Hamilton Drive, according to the staff report.
West 81st Street and Metcalf Avenue will be closed during the Saturday market as well as the portion of Hamilton Drive between Marty Street and Floyd Street. The community center will remain open during the market.
Construction updates and remaining work
When the project’s complete, Clock Tower Landing is set to feature indoor vendor areas, permanent shade structures, expanded seating and amenities like solar panels, electric vehicle chargers, native landscaping and upgraded restrooms.
So far, the construction crews poured concrete for the north and south planter walls in the upper Clock Tower Plaza, defining the staircase limits, Ralph said. The building’s trim roof overhang is set to be installed this week, and electric vehicle charger bases are being installed.
“Overhead mechanical work continues, including HVAC, fire suppression systems and lighting,” she said. “Restroom flooring, grouting and finish are underway and storefront window glass is being installed on the south building elevation.”
But a few things still need to be completed between now and June, like plumbing, painting, adding the shade canopies, pouring concrete at other structures, building the steps and adding the railings, she said.
When the new farmers market is ready to go, staff anticipates that Overland Park Drive will be closed during the market along with a section of Marty Street during Saturdays to allow for additional vendors to locate in the street, according to the staff report.
Market staff and the Public Works Department are finalizing details on street closures, and the city is working with RideKC to finalize a bus route for Saturdays.
In the summer, the market is set to occur on Saturdays, from June 6 to Sept. 26, and on Wednesdays, June 3 to Sept. 2, from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.