Our Town...Raytown

September 15, 2011

Revitalization is happening in Raytown. Four commercial redevelopment projects are being completed right now.

The Gregory Square project at Gregory and 350 Highway is almost complete, and Aldi is scheduled to open this month along with a 6,500 square foot multi-tenant building.

Raytown’s first International House of Pancakes opened on July 25, 2011 at Raytown Crossing East at 350 Highway and Raytown Road. (I hear the blueberry pancakes are amazing). The developer is receiving bids to demolish the AMACO Station on the property, and is seeking additional tenants to occupy the space.

Sutherland Lumber Company is renovating the former Wal-Mart store at 6709 Blue Ridge Boulevard. The 90,000 square foot project is anticipated to open in October 2011.

The redevelopment at Center 63 Shopping Center brought Save-A-Lot Grocery which replaced the former Coddington’s Grocery Store. The new store opened in June 2011.  Additional improvements include landscaping, pedestrian crossings, and preparing a 15,000 square foot space next to Save-A-Lot for use by a future tenant.

In addition, two new bridges have recently been constructed. The new Minor Smith Park Bridge was dedicated on September 10th, and the Blue Ridge Boulevard Bridge over 350 Highway is expected to be open for traffic on Wednesday, September 14.

There are few communities in the Kansas City area that are able to plan and bring about new redevelopment projects in the midst of current economic conditions. Thomas Cole, City of Raytown Economic Development Administrator, said, "While the larger projects planned on 350 Highway tend to receive the lion’s share of interest, it is the small business base in Raytown that truly makes our community unique and viable."

We are glad to see new businesses and growth in our community. Come in and see our branch library enhancements, too.

Susan H.  
Raytown Branch