Johnson County dispatch: What Lockton’s new HQ means for trees in Leawood parks
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Hi, Johnson County readers!
Lockton’s multimillion-dollar headquarters — and what will become Leawood’s tallest building — has begun construction. And some people are starting to feel the growing pains.
One dog park visitor watched dozens of trees crash down during a recent visit to make way for the prominent Kansas City brokerage firm. “They didn’t even leave a tree line,” the visitor said.
The parkgoer said that she will be taking her dog to a new park until construction is done.
But what is Leawood’s plan to replace the trees? How will city officials mitigate the impact of the major development moving in? See what the city had to say in an article I wrote with our intern, Julianna Mejia.
In other news: After an 18-month delay, developers of Olathe’s multimillion-dollar, ultra-accessible theme park said they want the entertainment center up and running in two years — with one aspect of the project possibly opening this January.
Check out the updated timeline for the Hunt family-backed project.
Let’s dive into what else is going on in Johnson County and the metro.
What’s up in JoCo?
Here’s our quick scoop of the weekly news for you. Find more JoCo news on a special page at kansascity.com.
🛒 After almost a decade without a grocery store in town, this Johnson County city will soon be welcoming two. See what will go in just down the street from a new Trader Joe’s.
🗳️ A Leawood megachurch pastor is poised to set a record for the most money raised by a Kansas candidate in a U.S. Senate campaign.
🍻 Two months after opening, an Iowa-based brewing company’s Prairie Village location in a former Macy’s has outperformed all of its Iowa locations. What’s the draw?
🏨 The bank that holds the Radisson Hotel’s mortgage filed a foreclosure lawsuit against the property owner and operator, claiming owners owe the bank more than $5 million.
🛝 A former Joann’s Fabrics in Overland Park will soon become an indoor family entertainment spot, complete with a slide park and air courts.
⚖️ A Johnson County jury found a 44-year-old Olathe man guilty of more than a dozen child sex crimes, including rape, sodomy and aggravated indecent liberties with a child.
🍔 This beloved burger chain is closing after 16 years of operating at an Overland Park location. It’ll serve its last meal July 15.
Around KC
🏥 Children’s Mercy treated more than a dozen children and teens for injuries because of fireworks over Independence Day weekend.
🏛️ A prominent KC-area developer is suing the Missouri Young Republicans organization, claiming that the group attempted to sabotage a housing project through a smear campaign.
🍴A new restaurant offering an elevated dining experience is now open in place of the nationally acclaimed Corvino Supper Club in downtown KC. See what it’s serving.
