A market will be just 1 of many features at Green Street. Here’s what else to expect
The older structures have been demolished, construction equipment and workers have been busy on site for several months and Lee’s Summit’s $44 million downtown development is coming to life. The large mixed-use project — initially referred to as the Downtown Market Plaza — also has a new official name, according to a recent announcement by city of Lee’s Summit officials.
The overall development, located just east of City Hall near Southeast Green and Southeast Third streets, will be known as Green Street. Additional components will be called the Green Street Market, a farmers market; Green Street Lawn, an outdoor performance space; and Green Street Grove, a streetscaped pavilion.
The farmers market and performance space are scheduled to open in spring 2025 with a restaurant building, boutique hotel and apartments being developed soon after the grand opening of the market and event venue.
“Green Street represents a continued investment in our downtown and further solidifies downtown Lee’s Summit as a regional destination,” said Ryan Elam, Lee’s Summit assistant city manager. “We will offer unique experiences that blend Lee’s Summit traditions such as the Green Street Market with modern-day community engagement on the Green Street Lawn.”
Through its integration into the historic downtown, the development is supporting local farmers and artisans while boosting foot traffic and supporting local businesses, Elam added, making the downtown district even more dynamic and attractive to visitors.
“The flexibility of the space fills a current gap in the community, allowing different events of different sizes to take place,” he said, adding that it will also create opportunities for connection and the inclusion of iconic public art.
The project is made possible through a unique partnership involving the community, city government, the Downtown Lee’s Summit Community Improvement District and the private sector, the assistant city administrator said.
The Green Street Market will replace the existing downtown Farmers Market’s long-time location at Second and Douglas streets. The twice-weekly seasonal market is currently held on a parking lot owned by the Lee’s Summit R-7 School District and leased by the city of Lee’s Summit for public parking. The new farmers market is designed as a four-season facility and will double as an event space when the market is not in season.
Located next to the new market will be the Green Street Lawn outdoor performance area, featuring a synthetic turf lawn and overhead canopy structure with space for live performances throughout the year. A moveable stage will be located at the northeastern edge of Green Street Lawn.
The design for the streetscaped pavilion, now called the Green Street Grove, includes a project gateway for the market, a series of artistic arches, an art walk featuring artwork from local artists, open seating and gathering areas for the public, as well as an immersive children’s playground.
An additional component of the project is a freestanding restaurant building with an outdoor patio facing the Green Street Lawn. Tenants have not yet been announced for this facility.
Other features in the works include an urban apartment complex of up to 200 units and a downtown boutique hotel incorporating dining and shopping options on the building’s first floor.
Since the project’s early discussions, public art has been an important component. The city of Lee’s Summit Cultural Arts Division and Cultural Commission are overseeing the integration of both two-dimensional and three-dimensional art, with plans including murals and both permanent and temporary artwork. To help facilitate the selection of artists and artwork, a selection committee is identifying qualified artists and concepts.
Funding for the $44 million project comes from the city of Lee’s Summit, the Downtown Lee’s Summit Community Improvement District, special obligation bonds, Missouri Development Finance Board funding from the state, contributions from project investors and the potential sale of naming rights and donations.
Throughout the planning process, emphasis has been placed on providing a flexible public development, designing a space to fit programming and ensuring a commitment to public art, Elam said.
“From the beginning, it’s been important to provide a space that seamlessly complements our already popular downtown district,” he said. “From the wayfinding to the public art installations, Green Street leverages the charm and character of our downtown, providing a community atmosphere.”