Park Place News

Student-made Red Dresses on Display at Park Place! Featured in KC Star Neighborhood News!

02.03.2010

Park Place is proud to be participating in American Heart Month this February in support of Go Red for Women and the fight against heart disease. The KC Star Neighborhood News section devoted a lengthy article to Red Dresses handmade by students at the Broodmoor Technical School on display for the month of February at Park Place.

From the article:

STUDENTS MAKE FASHION STATEMENT

By JOY GIPPLE
Special to The Star

People all over the nation are seeing red this month, and Johnson County is no exception.

“The color red stands for the energy, power and passion women have to band together and fight heart disease,” said Ciara Murphy, communications director for the American Heart Association’s Midwest affiliate.

In support of the association’s Go Red for Women campaign, communities, businesses and individuals are encouraged to participate. One of the most inventive efforts to draw attention to heart disease — the No. 1 killer of women — is the red dress display in store windows at Leawood’s Park Place.

The 16 red dresses in the Park Place display were created by students in the fashion design and construction classes at the Broadmoor Technical Center in Overland Park. Broadmoor, a Shawnee Mission School District facility, offers career and technology training in one of six programs for Johnson County high school students.

Janel Cates is the instructor for the fashion design program. “It is unique in that the students learn to sketch their design ideas and then draft the pattern pieces to create those garments,” Cates said. “This is not a traditional sewing class. I don’t know of any other high school class like this in the state.”

Cates had the idea to merge a dress design assignment with a greater purpose. She’d seen the logo for the Go Red For Women campaign and thought the students could make dresses out of red fabric to help promote it.

Cates contacted the heart association and was connected to marketing director Erin Kiekbusch. When she heard the idea, “I jumped all over it,” Kiekbusch said.

Kiekbusch visited the fashion class to educate the students about heart disease — its prevalence, warning signs, risk factors and prevention — and the students incorporated that new information and awareness into the design of their dresses.

Jarret Levin, Overland Park, is a junior from Blue Valley Northwest High School. “I thought it was a pretty cool idea,” Levin said. “I was excited to do this project.”

Many of the students expressed their surprise that heart disease kills more women than the next five causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer. “It was mind-blowing,” said DeAundre’ Kurney, Overland Park, a Shawnee Mission South senior.

Delaney Eilts, Overland Park, also attends Shawnee Mission South. She wanted her dress to be symbolic of the Go Red For Women campaign. “I wanted it to have a feminine yet strong feel,” Eilts said, “because women who have been affected by heart disease have to be strong to continue to fight the disease and to become healthy.” Eilts incorporated a unique feather belt into her dress design to represent the many unique stories of women who have been touched by heart disease.

Carly Griffith, Leawood, used monarch butterflies on her dress, inspired by the song “Careful” by Paramore. “I hope this spreads awareness and people reach out,” said Griffith, a junior from Shawnee Mission East.

Like most of the design assignments, the red dresses were constructed in half-scale. Cates explained that the smaller version focuses the students’ attention on the drafting and design of the garment, rather than putting their effort into fitting it on themselves or a live model.

At the end of the year, the students can choose one of their projects to translate into a full-scale garment. Maurisa Valentine, Shawnee, a junior at Shawnee Mission North, is delighted with her dress, especially the crisscross straps in the back. “I would love to see what it looks like in full-scale,” Valentine said. “I would love to wear it.”

In addition to the red dresses, Kiekbusch is encouraging the students to spread the word about heart disease by participating in a class contest. The student who registers the most people for the Go Red movement will receive a gift certificate for a massage or manicure.

The Go Red registrants will then receive quarterly newsletters with information on new programs, statistics and heart-healthy tips and recipes. “It’s a nice, full circle project for us,” Kiekbusch said.

“Any project for something like heart awareness or heart disease – it’s a good idea,” said Amanda Vaeth, an Overland Park senior at Blue Valley North.

Most of the students plan to pursue fashion careers. Vaeth will probably major in fashion design at Kansas State University. Levin aspires to attend the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. Kurney would like to combine fashion design with modeling or dance, perhaps at UMKC or Johnson County Community College.

Caroline Sheridan, Mission Hills, is headed to Columbia College, in Columbia, Mo., next fall. The Shawnee Mission East senior is in the second year, advanced section of the fashion design class at Broadmoor. She relishes the opportunity to have her own design on display at a retail store, as well as the connection to the heart association. “Fashion can inspire women,” Sheridan said, “and we — high schoolers — can be a part of it.”

Ciara Murphy knows that the more education people receive, the more lives will ultimately be saved. “These students are really making a huge statement,” Murphy said. “They’re really speaking up by doing this.”

Janel Cates agrees. “It’s not just making a dress just to be making one,” Cates said. “It’s a greater purpose than themselves.”

Red dresses created by the fashion design and construction class at the Broadmoor Technical Center are on display during the month of February in these Park Place stores: Annabelles, Bella B’s, Envy Boutique, KC Surroundings, J. Hathaway Shoe Boutique and The Rice Gallery

For more information on heart disease or the Go Red For Women campaign, go to www.americanheart.org

Park Place receives 7 Best-Of Awards in 435South Readers Choice Issue!

01.08.2010

Park Place was a huge winner in 435South's Readers Choice issue.

Best Sushi- RA Sushi

Best Lunch- Ingredient

Best First Date Spot- Trezo Vino

Best Home Furnishings- KC Surroundings

Best Baby Boutique- Bella Bambino

Best Toy Store- The Learning Tree

Best Small Addition Making a Big Mark- Park Place!

Second Phase Featured in KC Biz Journal

01.06.2010

Phase II development at Park Place was featured in the KC Biz Journal January 6th, 2010. From the article:

Kansas City Business Journal
Park Place, a $350 million mixed-use development in Leawood, has kicked off phase II construction with a new three-story office building, Park Place Developers LLC said Tuesday.

The new office building will be anchored by RPS Financial Group Inc., the local network office of Northwestern Mutual. It will move late this year into as much as 25,000 square feet of the new building, which will be at 11501 Ash St., near 116th Street and Nall Ave. RPS is moving all three of its network companies — a Northwestern Mutual office, a wealth management company and an employee benefits company — from 20,000 square feet in Corporate Woods.

Bob Cattanach of Waterford Property Co. LLC represented RPS in the transaction, and Bryan Johnson and Rollie Fors of Grubb & Ellis/The Winbury Group represented Park Place.

In addition to the new office building, the new phase at Park Place will include a new 400-space public parking garage and additional restaurant and retail space.

“We are very energized about our new space at Park Place,” R. Philip Sarnecki, managing partner of RPS Financial Group, said in a release. “This will be a world-class workplace that our clients and financial advisers deserve. I truly believe that it will be the nicest space of any financial services company like ours in the area.”

The office occupancy rate in Park Place’s first phase exceeds 85 percent, with less than 10,000 square feet available.

During the next few months, five new tenants are set to open at Park Place, including Café Roux, Carmens Café, Cupcake A La Mode, Flowers by Emily and Michael Shae Salon. Two fashion boutiques opened in time for the holiday season: Bella B’s and J. Hathaway Shoe Boutique.

New Development at Park Place featured in KC Star

01.05.2010

Kevin Collison of the KC Star Business Section wrote on Tuesday, January 5th:

Park Place lands major office tenant

The Park Place mixed-used project at 119th Street and Nall Avenue is bucking a slow development economy and building its second phase, buoyed by a major office tenant.

The $25 million expansion includes a 67,280-square-foot office and retail building, and a 415-space parking garage. The primary office tenant will be RPS Financial Group, a subsidiary of Northwest Mutual. RPS will occupy the top floor of the three-story building and part of the second level. Retail is planned for the first floor.

Melanie Mann, co-developer of Park Place with Jeff Alpert, said the Leawood project, which opened in March 2008, has attracted a strong roster of tenants because of its location and unique design. The architecture is intended to evoke the feeling of a Main Street environment, with shops on the first floor and offices above.

Its first phase included a 156-room Aloft hotel; 110,000 square feet of retail, 90,000 square feet of office space, and a 600-space garage.

Park Place is expanding at a time when other retail-based projects in the south Johnson County market are struggling to find tenants or even get under way, according to a recent survey by Lane4 Property Group.

“It’s a place where people enjoy coming to shop and dine,” Mann said. “We wanted it to be an eclectic community and that’s what emerged. It’s allowed us to move onto our second phase.”

RPS Financial is relocating from Corporate Woods to the new Park Place building at 11501 Ash St. It is expected to be ready for occupancy a year from now. The new facility will accommodate its wealth management, employee benefits and Northwestern Mutual operations.

“This will be a world-class workplace that our clients and financial advisors deserve,” R. Philip Sarnecki, RPS managing partner, said in a statement.

RPS was represented by Bob Cattanach of Waterford Property Co. in brokering the deal; Park Place was represented by Bryan Johnson and Rollie Fors of Grubb & Ellis/The Winbury Group.

While the office, hotel and retail components of Park Place have proceeded, the development has not escaped the woes besetting the residential condominium market. Park Place ultimately calls for a four-story condo building with 26 units, but construction has been delayed.

“We’re ready to go, but we won’t build it until the market gets straightened out,” Mann said.

The Ice Featured in Leawood Lifestyle

01.05.2010

The Ice was featured in the January issue of Leawood Lifestyle, "The Coolest Hot Spot in Town, The Ice at Park Place!"

From the article:

"It was an unseasonably warm Saturday in late November. A large crowd had gathered at The Ice and the mood was festive. Skaters of all ages circled the ice, a few jamming to the music that filled the air. Some people lunched at the rink-side tables and Santa wandered around greeting wide-eyed children. An artist painted holiday symbols on little cheeks and foreheads.

It was the Grand Opening Celebration of The Ice at Park Place, located at 117th and Nall. The event was the epitome of what the developers envisioned as they planned the area that has become known as "Leawood's Downtown."

"We wanted to create a space where the people of Leawood and surrounding communities could gather and enjoy one another and the many amenities Park Place has to offer," said Rebecca Garry, marketing director. "The response has been extremely positive. People are coming here to skate now, but in warmer weather this area becomes a park used for many entertainment and family events."

The Spencer family, who moved to Leawood from Indiana just last year, was just one of many who came to the grand opening and took in all it had to offer. Andy and Erin Spencer were joining in the festivities with their two young children, Luke (3) and Camille (1).

"We are having so much fun," Erin said. "We just finished eating lunch at Ingredient, and, while my kids were too shy to talk to Santa, they've enjoyed watching the other kids do it!" The Spencers then spent some time shopping at The Learning Tree before heading home for naps. "We really enjoy coming here and think the trees and the architecture of the buildings make for a beautiful seetting."

According to Garry, nearly 20,000 skaters hit the ice last year and even more are expected this year. There were more than 500 at the celebration alone.

"I think the ice rink plays a role in attracting people to Park Place," said Andre Sanders, manager of The Ice. "It's the only outdoor ice rink in Johnson County and it's easy to get to. Add that to the wonderful shops and eateries and there's something for everyone to enjoy."

Buy how do you turn a small park into an ice rink? Clearly, someone planned ahead.

According to Sanders, there is a permanent piping system under the grass. Come November, when the temperatures start dipping below 50 degress, they begin laying a secondary series of tubes over the grass, the length and width of the rink. A chilling system begins pumping cold liquid into the pipes. "We lay down layer upon layer of ice until it's thick enough to skate on," Sanders said. "It usually takes about a week or two, depending on how much the weather cooperates. The walls go up and we're ready to open."

And what happens come spring? "Well we just turn off the cooling system and let nature take its course. If it's warm enough, the ice will melt in a few days."

Then the park takes on a whole new look, as grass starts to grow and plants and flowers bloom. It continues to be the focal point of the development, serving as a community green space. During warmer months, the area is filled with people enjoying the outdoors.

"Last year we had a lot of events that were very popular," said Garry. "We had a move night and live music in the evenings."

Other popular events were the weeky Farmers Market and Flower Market, which will return bigger and better than ever.

So, if you're a skater, be sure to get up to The Ice and take a few spins this winter. And keep an eye out for the fun scheduled this spring. There's sure to be something for everyone."

J. Hathaway Shoe Boutique featured in HerLife Magazine!

12.15.2009

Jill Hathaway and J. Hathaway Shoe Boutique are featured in the January 2010 issue of HerLife Magazine.

From the article:

"In its unassuming location on Wornall Road, Hathaway Shoe has specialized in providing the midtown Kansas City area with Eurocomfort brands such as Keen and Bjorn for more than 10 years. But sometimes your feet needa little more sass. At least that’s the way owner Jill Hathaway felt. So she strolled a little southwest, all the way up town with her newest venture—J. Hathaway Shoe Boutique in thePark Place Center.

Walking into J. Hathaway, there is no mistaking that you’re in a haven of fashion. Soft lighting bounces off luxuriously distressed Frye boots and Ann Roth heels. Towering 5-inch stilettos share cubbies with hand worked leather purses by unique designers from Italy and the United States. Deep pewter Venetian plaster cocoons the footwear in velvety luxury and lets the rich neutrals pop out of the walls.

For Hathaway, the change of pace is welcome. “The Eurocomfort is great, but lately I’ve had the drive to do fashion. It’s always fun to make people feel good, but if you can make people look good with their shoes, it gives me a little more variety of styles that I can work with.” Says Hathaway..

In lean economic times, new ventures are often shied away from, but Hathaway is confident in not only her concept, but also her product. “There’s still women who want to look good, and you have to have shoes. Normally in the fashion market, women will buy shoes more quickly than a new outfit. You can wear what you have on and change your shoes, or change an accessory and have a whole new look.” For the woman who wants a unique look, J. Hathaway is the place to find it. Here, the emphasis is on more than just high fashion, it’s about finding a look that isn’t walking out of just any department stores. Hathaway is looking to Italy, Spain and boutique designers with smaller collections that aren’t carried in larger shoe retailers such as Halls, Nordstrom’s, or Von Maur. “No one wants to see their shoes coming and going. What you find here is going to be exclusive,” she says.

Keeping up with current trends is her passion and she turns not only to annual shoe markets, but also to her own customers. “Religious research really leads me to great finds. I had a woman from Scottsdale come in the other day and she had great shoes on. I asked her where she got them and then researched it. It’s really about finding the image that I want to portray and then researching it.”

Coming from a Eurocomfort background, as well as 15 years of experience in shoe buying and selling, Hathaway is confident that she can find the right shoe for anyone. “We’re still concentrating on fit, even though our focus is fashion.” She says. And while, definitely in a price point beyond your ubiquitous discount shoe chain, the selection is affordable. With an average price point around $200, her selections are investment pieces, not portfolios.

One thing that Hathaway is not planning on doing is emphasizing ongoing sale marketing. Instead of marking down her merchandise, she’s instead going to use semi annual events to not only clear out merchandise but also benefit the community. “We don’t do sales per se, we are very grassroots. Twice a year in January and July we’ll have promotions. In January we’ll do a community food drive, where if you bring in a certain number of canned goods, you’ll receive a discount.” Her first food drive at Hathaway Shoe netted over 4,000 cans of food for local food banks. “I love hitting what’s in our backyard,” she says. In July, she will continue the tradition started at Hathaway Shoe of bringing in gently worn shoes and receiving a discount on a new pair. Old shoes are then donated to local charities or Soles4Souls, a national charity that donates shoes to those in need.

Obviously Hathaway is not only interested in making people look good, but feel good. She’s also the mother of 3, and an active member of several local and national organizations. She thrives on multitasking and says that she thinks that it teaches a work ethic and sense of social responsibility to her children. And she still has time to accessorize. For the spring, Hathaway says that the best investment pieces are those that you can wear everyday. She points out a pair of knee high black Fry boots with silver details down the side are an instant lust item. “You know, they were great in the ‘60’s and they’re great now.” She says. While she definitely sees a market for her stilettos, easy pieces like these become a staple of a well-rounded wardrobe. “If it’s J.Hathaway, it’s classic sophistication.” "

The Ice Featured in KC Star Neighborhood News

12.02.2009

The Ice was profiled in the Kansas City Star Neighborhood News section on Wednesday, December 2nd.

From the article:

"Sunny fall days haven't kept moms, dads, and kids away from the ice skating rink at Park Place in Leawood, which openened for its second season in mid-November.

When the ice rink, Ice at Park Place, opened for the first time a year ago, it attracted more than 16,000 skaters.

In the past two weeks, several skaters have already graced the ice in colorful garb. Crowds have also gathered at nearby restaurants for gourmet hot chocolate and specialty coffees. The ice skating rink's popularity doesn't come to a surprise to the shopping district's developers.

"Ice skating is very wholesome family fun," said Jeffrey Alpert, co-developer of Park Place. "It's the kind of thing people in Johnson County are always looking for."

He is pleased at the response to the ice skating rink.

"Last season really exceeded our expectations," he said. "The weather hasn't been cooperating as well as it could but that hasn't kept people away. We just had a great Thanksgiving weekend."

The Ice Featured in KC Parent Out and About

12.01.2009

The Ice was featured in the Out and About section of the December KC Parent magazine.

From the article:

"The Ice at Park Place is the perfect spot to spend an afternoon, evening or even a day off from school. Located in the Park Place mixed-use center in Leawood, the venue offers not only ice skating but also dining, shopping, office space, parks and more. It’s located close to Town Center Plaza so come for skating and then head next door to see a movie.

The Ice at Park Place
117th and Nall
913.441.1432
www.ParkPlaceLeawood.com

    Entering its second year, The Ice at Park Place is the perfect spot to spend an afternoon, evening or even a day off from school. Located in the Park Place mixed-use center in Leawood, the venue offers not only ice skating but also dining, shopping, office space, parks and more. It’s located close to Town Center Plaza so come for skating and then head next door to see a movie.
    With winter break looming, you may be looking for an activity that will keep the kids entertained and help them burn off some of their energy. Ice skating is the perfect activity to get some fresh air, exercise and fun, all at the same time! I have to admit, I am not much of a skater, but I laced up the skates for the kids’ sake and we all had a great time. As a bonus, no one (and by no one I mean me) suffered any major injuries!
    The Ice is open through February. Admission to skate is $6.00 per person. Skates can be rented for $3.00 or you can bring your own. In addition to the many street parking spots located by the skating rink, there is a parking garage conveniently located near the rink where parking is always free and will keep your car dry and snow-free.
    Not only is skating a great family activity, it is also the perfect spot for a date night or girls’ night out. After an afternoon or evening of skating at The Ice, head next door to Ingredient for some hot cocoa and cookies. Or visit Pacivgo where you can also enjoy hot cocoa or, if you aren’t too cold, gelato (and as far as the Sarver Family is concerned, it has to be pretty cold for us to say “no” to gelato!).
    So what are you waiting for? Put those insecurities behind you, grab the kids and head over to The Ice for a great way to spend a winter day with your family.

Hot Tip:
Not much of a skater? No worries! There are plenty of benches from which to view the action.

New Tenant Announcement featured in KC Star Cityscape Column

12.01.2009

Carmens Cafe was featured in the Tuesday, December 1st edition of the Kansas City Star Business Section, Cityscape column.

From the article:
"Coming soon

Brookside’s locally owned Carmen’s Café is planning a second location in Leawood.

The new restaurant is scheduled to open by late March in Park Place, 117th Street and Nall Avenue.

“I’ve been in the restaurant business for 20 years; it’s all I know,” said Juan Bautista, owner of Carmen’s with his brother Francisco Bautista. They named the restaurant after their mother.

Carmen’s opened more than a decade ago at 6307 Brookside Plaza, later expanding with another dining area and kitchen on the second floor, and becoming a neighborhood mainstay.

It offers Italian cuisine with Latin flair — small plates of tapas to share such as shrimp and crabmeat stuffed artichokes, spicy empanadas, or steamed mussels topped with Diablo sauce, along with fresh seafood, pasta, veal, chicken or beef entrees.

Exciting new tenants headed to Park Place

10.01.2009

Two new retailers were announced in the KC Star Business Section on October 27th, 2009.

From the article, Joyce Smith writes:
"At Park Place

Leawood’s Park Place will have three new tenants:

•Bella B’s Boutique and Bella Bambino — sister stores — will open at 11555 Ash St. on Nov. 19.

Bella B’s is relocating from Overland Park. It sells trendy clothing and accessories. Bella Bambino is a new store that will sell “rocker mom” maternity wear and trendy children’s clothing in limited quantities.

•Cupcake A La Mode, a cupcake cafe offering 20 flavors of cupcakes, along with coffees and teas, will open at 11529 Ash St. in late December. There also is a location west of the Country Club Plaza. "

Park Place Featured in The Sun Newspaper

09.30.2009

Park Place was featured in a special section of The Sun on September 30th, 2009.
"If you didn't know that Leawood had a downtown area, then look again. Park Place provides that rich downtown area, all within a short walk of the new Aloft Hotel.

Park Place truly has everything a busy family needs, providing residents with great shopping, dining and amenities in a beautiful tree-lined pedestrian-friendly area. Guests can park in the convenient covered garage and spend the day, visiting the one-of-a-kind shops and eateries that showcase the area's best styles and tastes. Patrons can even walk across the street and see a movie at the Town Center AMC.

“Park Place is more than a shopping center, it’s truly a destination,” said Rebecca Garry, marketing director for Park Place. “We offer visitors a multitude of options, from shopping, to dining, to a stroll in the park or a skate around the ice rink from November to February!”

Currently, Park Place is home to some of the area’s finest retail shops, art galleries, salons, and eateries, with many more to follow in the coming months. Barkley Square is right in the center of all the action and serves as a gathering spot for children and adults and offers great people-watching year round, whether it's watching kids play in the grass while enjoying some Paciugo Gelato during the summer, or ice skate in the winter.

One of the current tenants, Annabelles, 11547 Ash, is a haven for those who believe true luxury is measured in thread count. The boutique offers exclusive French and Italian linens, goose down bedding and fine bathroom furnishing, as well as delicate sleepwear, adorable infant wear and christening gowns, lotions, home fragrances, jewelry and gift items.

Mother and daughter team Betty and Lisa Payne have owned and operated the boutique, in its current and former location, for 17 years.

“We carry anything a woman likes,” Lisa said. “We wanted to have not the most expensive items but the best of every category. It's not about price; it's about quality.”

Customer service is the key to a successful business, Lisa said.

“We do complimentary gift wrap and we go out of our way to make it special – every package has a flower inside, on top when you open it,” she said. “I care about our reputation. A lot of stores don't care about their customers like that today. You've got to be able to answer their questions and treat them like they want to be treated.”

Lisa said she is excited about what's to come at the ever-expanding Park Place.

“This is a beautiful street, it's not the same old thing,” she said. “Every storefront is different. We have a beautiful area here with local shops with the owners in the store. How often do you see that?”

Inspired by a weekend trip to Los Angeles, Susan Wilson opened Envy Boutique, 11543 Ash, which she owns with her daughters Lindsey Wilson and Courtney Kopmeyer. Susan had dreamed of sharing a business with her daughters and said this is her opportunity to bring unique clothing and accessories to the Kansas City area.

“My sister and I are the buyers, so we carry lines that we love and they're items that sell well for us,” Kopmeyer said. “Our customers are women from 18 to 60, with the average age of women who shop here being 25 to 40. We carry contemporary women's clothing.

“We have a lot of younger moms who shop here, like myself, so I make sure we have a lot of cute, casual clothes. But we also have fun stuff you can go out in with your husband or boyfriend or girlfriends.”

The store opened three years ago in downtown Overland Park before relocating to Park Place.

“We love it here,” Courtney said. “The traffic is better...it's a nice area. Once everything gets built up, this is going to be awesome.”

Living up to its name, parking is easy at Park Place. There is a covered garage with almost 600 spots, as well as additional surface and street parking. Convenient access to stores means it’s great for pushing a stroller or just taking a leisurely walk on a beautiful day. There is a quiet, neighborhood-like feel, shielded from the noisy streets.

This is the environment that Jeff Alpert and Melanie Mann envisioned when they first began developing Park Place. They wanted it to be the first development of its kind in Johnson County, and to embrace the complete lifestyle from living to playing to working, and every activity in between. Now with Aloft opening, the area feels even more complete. “Everyone is ecstatic about the hotel opening,” Garry said. “This is just one of the many wonderful amenities Park Place brings to the community and we couldn’t be happier with the result.”

For more information on the stores, eateries and amenities of Park Place, call (913) 381-2229 or visit www.ParkPlaceLeawood.com."

Aloft Hotel Ribbon Cutting

09.24.2009

The Aloft Hotel Ribbon Cutting took place on September 24th 2009 in front of a crowd including Mayor Peggy Dunn, Leawood City Council members, Leawood Chamber members, reporters, friends of Aloft and Park Place, and twelve-time pro-bowler and Chiefs offensive lineman Will Shields. The Ribbon Cutting marked the opening of Leawood's first hotel, which Leawood Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kevin Jeffries excitedly spoke about in his speech:

"While I may be a bit biased, it's now official. Leawood Has become THE premier shopping, dining, and entertainment destination in Johnson County.

On behalf of the Leawood Chamber of Commerce, congratulations to our friends at Aloft Leawood for bringing this great, new addition to our community.

The opening of this exciting and trendy hotel gives Leawood a destination location for the business traveler and regional vacationer. Equally as important, Leawood residents now have a great place for their out of town guests to stay that is at the heart of this thriving community.

The developers of Park Place, the City officials, and the investors that had the vision to put this project together are to be congratulated for bringing this outstanding community asset to Leawood."

2 great Park Place restaurants featured in 435 South Magazine

07.01.2009

RA Sushi and Trezo Vino received praise in the "Small Bites" section of the July 2009 435 South Magazine.

From the article:

"Soon, very soon, the hip and happening RA Sushi Bar/Restaurant is scheduled to open adjacent to the new Aloft Hotel in Park Place. This is going to be a seriously fun, gorgeous place for all of you fresh fish fans."

"X-Rated, Jamaican Whoopie, Moody Blue...if these sound curiously tempting, you've hit on something. Actually, these are among three of Trezo Vino's decadently enticing martinis meant to lure and lull."

Park Place named recipient of Capstone Award

04.10.2009

Park Place was honored with the Kansas City Business Journal's 2009 Capstone Award for mixed-use projects.

From the article:

"The program's aim is to look beyond dollar figures and square footage and consider how these projects are changing our community and affecting our lives."

The Ice at Park Place spotlighted in Blue Valley Neighborhood News Section of The Kansas City Star

11.05.2008

In an article entitled “An Outdoor ice will be nice in Leawood,” the first and only ice rink in Johnson County makes its debut. The article discusses the inspiration behind The Ice, the sustainable elements, and activities to expect for the rest of the year.

From the article:

“Winter jingles and holiday decorations will envelope skates at the rink for the next two months. Benches will be plentiful, for excited observes and parents to relax. A couple of the nearby restaurants will sell gourmet hot chocolate and specialty coffees.”

“We wanted to create a unique outdoor amenity for people in the community,” said Jeffrey Alpert, co-developer of Park Place. “Ice skating turned out to be the answer. And it is nice because the rink is now the central point of Park Place.”

“The ice skating rink is not only ground-breaking for Johnson County, but it is part of national news as well. The rink will be one of the first in the United States to be environmentally friendly. Normally, ice on the rink is pained white – to hide the piping underneath. The Park Place ice skating rink is using an environmentally friendly coating, which will reflect heat.”

Ingredient featured in the Best of Kansas City Pizza cover story in The Kansas City Star

10.09.2008

In The Kansas City Star’s Play section, Ingredient was listed in the favorites section of an article entitled “Tower of Pizza: Our restaurant critic chews through a mountain of pies to find the best in KC.” This cover story was written to celebrate National Pizza Month

From the article:

“The Lawrence-based chain opened a second location this summer in the trendy new Park Place shopping mecca. Gourmet pizzas and all sorts of create-your-own-pies.

Park Place makes a splash in The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle

10.03.2008

In the October 3 edition, a profile on the only mixed-use development community in Leawood ran that discussed new urbanism, tenants and the future of Park Place in an article entitled ‘Alperts latest project brings new urbanism to Leawood.’

From the article:

“Move over, Boardwalk, it is all about Park Place, at least in Leawood.Both developers were quoted several times throughout the article.

“There are people here at all times, day and night,” said Jeff Alpert, co-developer.

"The mayor has coined it Leawoods new downtown, and that is what we rally wanted it to be – a place where the community would gather either on an informal or formal basis through the year,” Melanie Mann, co-developer said. “We have often heard people say that it feels like they are in a different town. Not so much the architecture, but there is no place that feels like a community as much.”

Park Place Brigade Mini Cheerleading and Football Camp on FOX Morning Show

10.02.2008

FOX Morning Show gets some Pep from the Kansas City Brigade Arena Football team

Brigade Arena Football player, Chris Cook, and cheerleader, Ashley Worrell, went on FOX’s Morning Show to show hosts Laura Thornquist and Paul Herdner a thing or two about the basics of football and cheerleading. During the segment, Laura threw a pass to Paul with some coaching by Cook. Also, the hosts twirled their hair and learned the Brigade Cheerleader’s signature move in anticipation for the Brigade Mini Cheerleading and Football Camp that was held at Park Place on October 4. This is one segment that no one will forget… after all Paul did use the pom poms.

435 South announces the newest tenants at Park Place

10.01.2008

Gobug Baby & Kids and JDMC Group LLC announcement was featured in the Buzz section of the 435 South October issue.

From the article:

“Gobug offers clothing for newborns through size six, as well as strollers, diaper bags and other active gear to help families to get out and play together. (JDMA), a professional real estate development company, specializes in acquiring, developing, owning and managing commercial, retail and multi-family residential properties.”

Spaces Magazine Tells Ladies to Start Shopping

10.01.2008

In its regular What is Happening Column, reporter Darren Mark discusses some of the recent tenant openings – Gobug Baby & Kids, Annbelles and Paciugo Gelato - at Park Place.

From the article:

“Cheers to one of Jonson Countys newest shopping plazas, Park Place, the Main Street, USA-themed development north of Town Center. Its mission is standard issue for a concept like this: Intermingle retail, restaurants, office space and residences in a cute and cozy environment.”

“But here is where it gets weird. Unlike most similar concept developments, the retail and restaurants at Park Place are properties you are not going to find in the local mall. Some of them are even original to Kansas City!”

New Park Place Tenants featured in KC Small Business

10.01.2008

In the Entrepreneurs in Action section, Gobug Baby & Kids and JDMA Group, LLC, were featured for their move to Park Place.

From the article:

“Gobug Baby & Kids, 11530 Ash St., features action-read apparel for newborns through size 6. Gobug also features strollers, diaper bags, and other smart gear that helps families get outside and play together.”

“JDMA Group LLC, is a real estate development company specializing in acquiring, developing, owning and managing commercial, retail and multi-family residential properties.”

Business Journal Announces Specialty Fertilizer Products Move to Park Place

09.19.2008

In the Business Journal regular section about the best stories from kansascity.bizjournals.com was the announcement of Specialty Fertilizer Products moving its headquarters to Park Place.

From the article:

“The company, also known as SFP, has headquarters in Belton. In December, it will move the headquarters 23 employees into 12,199 square feet in Park Place Aubrey Building, under construction at 116^th Street and Nall Avenue.”

“Melanie Acklin, a spokeswoman for the privately held company, said the company is entertaining many more clients, and the Park Place location will afford plentiful nearby hotels and restaurants to accommodate visitors.”

Envy featured in the Fashion Forward section of Star Magazine

09.14.2008

Envy brings hot new fall fashion trends to the Beauty in Flight fashion show that benefited the Rose Brooks Center. This center is dedicated to ending the cycle of domestic violence.

From the article:

“Envy Boutique was one of the 14 stores showing their wares on the runway. This silk patterned dress by Yoana Baraschi was shown with black opaque tights, a great way to take summer dresses into fall. Look for Envy at its new location at Park Place.”

Park Place’s Flower Market Featured in Weather Segment on KSMO Two Days in a Row

09.02.2008

The Park Place Flower Market was mentioned during the whats happening section of the weather forecast on KSMO. This mention ran during both the September 2 and 3 More in the Morning show.

Ingredient a hit with 435 South

09.01.2008

Gloria Gale, contributing writer for 435 South Magazine, recently reviewed one of the new restaurants at Park Place, Ingredient, calling it Johnson County’s answer to a delightful dinner and lunch.

From the article:

“My ciabatta sandwich oozed brie between the husky roasted chunks of turkey. Accompanied by the savory soup, dense with slivered mushrooms, I was thoroughly delighted.

My two (friends) were engulfed in their big bowls. A meaty Cajun salmon top a crisp round red tortilla was a meal in itself but was dressed with avocado, roasted peppers and black beans all tangled up with the greens. Just call it Money’s ‘Garden in a Bowl.’

The clutch of tables quickly filled as soon as parties left, but it was fun just lingering and watching sort of Johnson County’s homage to a quasi-urban scene in the middle of suburbia.”

Grand Opening Photo and Park Place Tenants Featured in Kansas City CEO

09.01.2008

A photo of the Park Place developers along with Leawood Chamber of Commerce members was accompanied by a summary of the weekend festivities in the About Town section. Also, Park Place along with its tenants were featured in an article entitled “Real Estate Monitoring Market.”

From the photo:

“Park Place in Leawood officially celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony which gave the developers, Leawood Chamber of Commerce members and local government officials a chance to compliment each other on a job well done.”

From the article:

"The new Park Place development – a mixed-use community by Kansas City-area developers, Melanie Mann and Jeff Alpert, opened earlier this year. When complete, Park Place will feature a pedestrian-friendly component with residential and retail space, two hotels, and boutique office space above shops and restaurants, along with parks and gardens.”

Jeff Alpert and Melanie Mann featured as guest columnists in KC Small Business

09.01.2008

Alpert and Mann discussed how finding the right local location will help retailers in an article entitled, “Finding the Right Spot” that ran in the KC Small Business September issue that focused on retail

From the article:

“The perfect location is different for every retailer depending on the business needs and desired clientele.”

“Make sure to check if the developer or landlord is a local or national company. Local developers generally will be more hands-on, have an office close by and be more accessible to handle concerns. They can give advice when it comes to planning out the construction of the new store, scheduling a grand opening, and booking programming based on how past retailers have faired.”

“Lifestyle centers are advantageous since there are salons, clothing stores, restaurants, dry cleaners, a variety of residences, parks, art galleries, safe and convenient parking and entertainment all in once location.”

“In the end, the perfect location for small, local retailers will allow them to focus on what they do best – their business.”

Park Place featured in Kansas City Retail review in Heartland Real Estate Business

09.01.2008

The September 2008 issue of Heartland Real Estate Business features Park Place in its Kansas City Retail Market Focus. Every year this publication asks local experts their thoughts on how the Kansas City retail scene is fairing.

From the article:

“There are three upscale projects currently under construction in south Johnson County, Kansas… Park Place, located in Leawood at 117^th and Nall is the latest true mixed-use center and features a combination of retail, restaurants, two hotels and office space…”

Gobug moving to Park Place announcement featured in Cityscape section of The Kansas City Star

08.26.2008

From the Article: “Gobug Baby and Kids, a locally owned children's store, is moving from downtown Overland Park to the new Park Place, 11530 Ash St., Leawood. The store will sell "play-friendly, casual and stylish" children's clothing, along with strollers and diaper bags and other gear to "help families get outside and play together." A soft opening is scheduled for Sept. 2.”

Gobug Baby & Kids and JDMA Group, LLC Become Latest Tenants

08.20.2008

Gobug Baby & Kids and JDMA Group, LLC will become part of Park Place, the first Main Street-style, mixed use development in Leawood.

Gobug Baby & Kids is the home of big style for little adventures, featuring action-ready apparel and gear for active families. The clothing is for newborns through size 6 and is play-friendly yet stylish. Gobug also features strollers, diaper bags, and other smart gear that helps families get outside and play together. Gobug will be moving from its current location in Overland Park to Park Place, with opening set for Tuesday, September 2, 2008.

JDMA Group, LLC, is a professional, real estate development company that specializes in acquiring, developing, owning and managing commercial, retail and multi-family residential properties. Founded in 2006, JDMA Group was formed to primarily aid a Kansas City developer with property management, and has grown since then into other property management niches including real estate strategy analysis, site selection, feasibility studies, and marketing plans. JDMA is relocating its offices from 4701 College Boulevard in Overland Park, Kan., to occupy more than 1,800 square-feet at Park Place. JDMA Group will move to its new location on Friday, August 22.

“Moving to this new location at Park Place will allow JDMA Group to continue to grow its business by creating more room for employees,” said Josh Crow of JDMA Group. “We could not be more thrilled to join the eclectic mix of other tenants and services in this new mixed-use development that is unique to the area.”

Park Place Flower Market brings summer into KCTV-5 studio

08.02.2008

Rosehill Garden’s Ann Vannase showed off the wonderful collection of plants and flowers found at the Park Place Flower Market. She discussed in detail the different kids’ activities the Flower Market had to offer like making pizza gardens and creating Fancy Nancy flower pots. Kids can enjoy these activities and take home their creations for a mere $5 every Thursday at 11 am or 1 pm through October.

Trezo Vino Receives High Marks from 435 South

08.01.2008

435 South’s Gloria Gale recently reviewed Park Place’s smooth wine bistro and found it to be swanky and seductive.

From the article:

“We rattled off our picks with assurance – seared scallops, shoestring potatoes, braised short ribs, flatbread pizza, crab wraps and for good measure, one green salad. ‘Good?’ I inquired from my friends. ‘Um…yes,’ both nodded confidently before offering me a taste.

Meanwhile, between tastings of this and that, I scanned the room. This wasn’t TGIF Friday… it was Wednesday and the place was jammed. This is definitely a place to be seen. One couple snuggled tightly in a cushy banquette. Another table of six bantered incessantly to the artfully designed plates that kept appearing.

But back to the business at hand, each time I reached forkful, I was thoroughly delighted. Flavors mixed and mingled with consensus awarded to the braised short ribs. ‘Out of this world,’ sang one of Gale’s friends.

Park Place Named One of the Top Projects in Kansas City for the Second Year in a Row

07.04.2008

The Business Journal recently released its list of “Top Area Construction Projects” for 2008. Park Place ranked number eight, up two spots from last year, based on the overall cost of construction.

These lists are compiled from surveys of construction companies and architecture firms, Business Journal news coverage, and firms’ Web sites.

Jeff Alpert & Melanie Mann Share Their Vision on Live with Jay 1510 AM Radio

07.02.2008

As like-minded visionaries aspiring to bring an urban, mixed-use community to Leawood, these Kansas City-area developers make Park Place home with more than 50 years combined experience in real estate development. Alpert and Mann discussed their vision, goals and plans for the future for Park Place.

Grand Opening Weekend Featured in 435 South

07.01.2008

A brief summary and multiple photographs from Park Place’s Grand Opening weekend were featured in the Happenings section of 435 South’s July issue.

From the article:

“Park Place, Leawood’s newest outdoor shopping development, celebrated its grand opening with a VIP party held on Thursday, May 1. The weekend was full of activities including a ribbon cutting and fireworks. Mayor Peggy Dunn joined in the celebration along with the Leawood city council members.”

Charles Ferruzza of The Pitch Experiences Culinary Coma at Trezo Vino

06.26.2008

From the article:

“I knew the food would be perfectly fine at the three-month-old Trezo Vino Wine Bistro in Leawood’s still-unfinished Park Place shopping center. The menu was created by Michael Peterson, the talented chef who also oversees the kitchen at this restaurant’s sister bistro, Trezo Mare in the Northland. Still, I was surprised to discover that the evening menu is a collection of truly inventive and delightful small plates, salads, pizza and flatbreads that aren’t outrageously priced at all.

The most exquisite dish of the evening was a flaming china plate containing a pretty bowl of lighter-than-air gnocchi hidden under a bubbling blanket of caramel-colored lobster-cream sauce. This affair was topped with half of a grilled lobster tail. Five bites later, I was practically in a coma.”

Ribbon Cutting photo in After Hours section of the Business Journal

06.13.2008

The photo featured Jeff Alpert and Melanie Mann, Park Place developers, with Leawood Mayor Peggy Dunn at the ribbon cutting ceremony on May 2.

Steve Kerner of Ingredient Prepares his Summer Salad on FOX 4

06.02.2008

Ingredient’s Steve Kerner recently prepared his Summer Salad for Paul Herdtner of FOX 4. The salad was included to highlight Ingredient’s vast array of custom salads, allowing guests to choose from 60 different ingredients and 14 dressings. The salad recipe can be found at http://www.myfoxkc.com/myfox/pages/ContentDetail?contentId=6673738.

KC Commercial Journal Announces Tortoise Capital Advisors, Aloft Hotel

06.01.2008

From the KC Commercial Journal:

“Tortoise Capital Investors LLC and Aloft Hotel were recently the first office and hotel, respectively, to become part of Park Place, Leawood’s first Main Street-style, mixed-use development.

Tortoise Capital Advisors, a pioneer in capital markets for master limited partnership (MLP) investment companies and a leader in closed-end funds, separately manages accounts focused on MLP’s in the energy sector. It is relocating its offices from Corporate Woods office park in Overland Park to its new 17,500-square-foot home at Park Place.”

Kansas City Small Business Monthly Announces Three New Tenants

06.01.2008

From the article:

“Among the new tenants is The Rice Gallery of Fine Art, an art gallery focusing on local, European and American artists, which will relocate from 135th and Metcalf to Park Place. Craig Allen’s Men’s Fine Grooming, a salon for men with services similar to that of a woman’s salon, will open in September. Fountain Capital Management, LLC will relocate its offices from Corporate Woods to Park Place as well.”

Kansas City Business Journal Features Park Place as Gathering Place of Leawood

05.08.2008

Leawood Mayor Peggy Dunn, Jeff Alpert, Melanie Mann and Peggy Rice speak of Park Place and its socioeconomic impact.

From the article:

“Promoted as a gathering place for the suburban community of Leawood, Park Place aims to offer a true mixed-use development with the city’s first hotels. Upon full completion, which could take an additional five to seven years, the project will have more than 1 million square feet of retail, office, hotel and residential space.

True to its name, Park Place also is to include two parks, one of which will have a hike/bike trail and an ice skating rink in the winter.

“We felt like it was a responsible way to develop a place that would be enduring and something that was missing out in the suburbs,” said Melanie Mann, a co-developer with Jeffrey Alpert.”

Ericsson Move to Park Place Announced in The Johnson County Sun

05.07.2008

Ericsson’s Kansas City headquarters to move to Park Place.

From the article:

“Ericsson, a market leader in mobile technologies, will occupy 14,376 square feet of office space in Park Place’s Aubrey Building. The site will serve as Ericsson’s Kansas City headquarters.

“We are exicted to move our Kansas City headquarters to such a great location,” Executive Vice President and General Manager Scott Willis said. “Park Place is a quality development, centrally located for our employees and nearby one of our key customers, Sprint.”

Park Place Grand Opening Tabbed as THE Place to Be by The Kansas City Star

05.02.2008

The Star’s Joyce Smith previews Park Place’s grand opening and future hotels, lofts

From the article:

“Park Place will celebrate the grand opening of its first phase Saturday with in-store promotions, entertainment and events, including story time, free paraffin wax and hand massage, face painting and a pizza box decorating contest – all topped off by fireworks.

The $450 million pedestrian-friendly development will eventually offer retail, offices and residential components, including lofts, town houses and condominiums, along with two boutique hotels, an ice rink, two parks and a hike/bike trail. It also has a six-story parking garage with 595 spots, along with surface and street parking.”

435 South Announces Official Opening of Park Place

05.01.2008

From the article:

“Park Place, which boasts stores and restaurants as well as friendly outdoor commons, officially opened with charity events, a ribbon cutting, entertainment and promotions. Park Place’s current operating tenants include Trezo Vino Wine Bistro, California Pizza Kitchen, Annabelles Fine Linens, Envy Boutique, The Learning Tree and Park Place Gallery. Park Place’s offerings continue to grow with the anticipated spring/summer openings of Ingredient, Fish City Grill, Le Reve Salon, Paciugo Gelato, and The Rice Gallery of Fine Art. This fall, Park Place’s ice terrace and hotel will open to be followed by winter debuts of RA Sushi and Morton’s, The Steakhouse.”

Trezo Vino VIP Grand Opening Reception Featured in 435 South

05.01.2008

A brief summary and multiple photographs from Trezo Vino’s VIP Grand Opening Reception were featured in the Happenings section of 435 South’s May issue.

From the article:

“Trezo Vino Wine Bistro opened its doors at Park Place for a VIP reception on March 19. Guests wined, dined and mingled the evening away. Trezo Vino offers 40 wines by the glass and 165 wines by the bottle. The bistro also features its own private-label wines. Menu items created for optimal pairings and served on plates made for sharing, include tapas, salads, flatbreads and desserts.”

KMBC 9 Showcases Park Place

04.30.2008

Jeff Alpert was featured on KMBC 9 on Wednesday, April 30. Alpert spoke to Chris Nagus about Park Place’s convenience, consumer catered plan, and future endeavors. During the segment, The Learning Tree’s Betty Leonhardt also shared her views about business traffic thus far and how she envisions business to increase as the development opens. The segment included various shots of the Park Place development. The feature aired on 9 News at Ten.

Four Park Place Tenants Featured on Local Television

04.14.2008

Four Park Place tenants were recently featured on local television in conjunction with the debut on Saturday, March 29.

Ray Groves of The Learning Tree was featured on FOX 4 on March 18. He showed viewers toys and crafts available at The Learning Tree that parents can utilize to bring out the little artists in their children.
On March 22, Melanie Mann joined Kimberly Moussa of Park Place Gallery and Mark Christopher Weber, a local artist, to inform how art is a significant feature of Park Place. Weber’s artwork was displayed for the feature on KCTV 5.
FOX 4 featured Chef Kyle Kroenke of California Pizza Kitchen on March 22. Chef Kroenke prepared a BBQ Chicken Pizza, California Pizza Kitchen’s most popular pizza.
In addition, Annabelles Fine Linens demonstrated how to fold fitted sheets for spring cleaning on April 7. Kathy Watkins folded to perfection on FOX 4.

Park Place featured in The Sun Newspaper

04.03.2008

Park Place unveils first phase

From the article:

Leawood Mayor Peggy Dunn hailed Park Place as the future of downtown Leawood.

"When it's completed it will truly create the center of our town, so to speak, " Dunn said. "An area where people can come together and really build that spirit of community and gather for celebrations and it will be extremely pedestrian-friendly."

Dunn said the project has been worth the wait.

"It takes time to be very deliberate and precise with all of the decisions that go into it," Dunn said.

Developers Melanie Mann and Jeff Alpert, who have moved their offices to Park Place, said the development's debut is the first step in the realization of their vision.

"It's very exciting," Alpert said. "Our motivation for developing is really to create places that people can enjoy, and whether it's a subdivision for their home or places they can shop that's really our underlying motivation and what keeps us going in the business.

"The fact that we were able to see people walking up and down the streets and in and out of the shops and eating in the restaurants...it just validates all the time and effort we've put into it over these last seven years."

When complete, Park Place will boast 200,000 square feet of retail space, 350,000 square feet of Class A office space, up to 350 residential units between condominiums and townhomes, and two concept hotels with a total of 298 rooms. There will also be a park and an outdoor ice rink.

The hotels will be Leawood's first.

"What makes Park Place so special for Leawood, or what would make it special for any community, is the fact that it does have a senes of place and a place where people can come and stroll the streets, enjoy sidewalk dining or take advantage of some of the unique programming we'll have in our parks," Alpert said. "These are all unique amenities for any city and particularly for Leawood."

KC Magazine Publicizes Park Place Now Open

04.01.2008

KC Magazine announces the opening of Park Place.

From the article:

“Park Place, Johnson County’s first mixed-use development to incorporate green space, is officially open for business in Leawood. On March 29, California Pizza Kitchen, Park Place Gallery, Trezo Vino Wine Bar and Bistro, Envy Boutique, Annabelle’s, The Learning Tree, and Park Place Gallery all swung open their doors.

And more is on the way: Ingredient, Fish City Grill, Le Reve Salon, Paciugo Gelato, and the Rice Gallery of Fine Art will join the lineup later this year. Additionally, lofts, town homes, condominiums, two boutique hotels, ice rink, two parks, and a trail system are expected in the near future. With places to live, work, dine, and play, the question isn’t why you should visit Park Place; it’s why would you ever want to leave?”

Greater Kansas City Chamber Newsletter Announces Tortoise Capital Investors Move To Park Place

04.01.2008

Greater Kansas City Chamber Newsletter announces Tortoise Capital Investors moving Kansas City location to Park Place in their “Good News” sector.

From the article:

“Tortoise Capital Investors, LLC has announced the company’s plans to move in mid-May to become part of Park Place, Leawood’s first Main Street-style, mixed use development.”

Trezo Vino Wine Bistro featured in Kansas City Star

03.25.2008

New Park Place development adds its second restaurant.

From the article:

Trezo Vino offers small plates to share like crab and cabbage spring rolls or grilled petite filet with potato goat cheese, along with salads, soups, pizza and flatbreads, and signature drinks.

"It's a new hybrid restaurant concept: You come here more for a night of entertainment than for dinner out on the town," said Greg Walker, development partner for Trezo Vino. "We expect our customers to come in and linger and enjoy themselves for two or three hours. It's a little more social, a little more educational than the average restaurant."

Educational as in the menu, which includes 45 eclectic menu items that customers can experiment with.

The space, at 11570 Ash St., features an open look with high ceilings and large windows, along with a parking garage to the west. Trezo Vino's sister restaurant, Trezo Mare, is in the Northland's Briarcliff Village.

Kansas City Business Journal Web site Announces Ericsson's move to Park Place

03.14.2008

The Kansas City Business Journal’s Web site announced that Ericsson is moving its Kansas City headquarters to Park Place.

From the article:

“Ericsson will move office to Leawood from Lenexa.
Ericsson's Kansas City-area office will move in June to Park Place in Leawood from Lenexa, the Sweden-based mobile telecommunications company said Thursday.

Scott Willis, Ericsson's executive vice president and general manager at the company's 80-person Kansas City-area headquarters, said in a release that moving to Park Place will improve access to a large customer, Sprint Nextel Corp. (NYSE: S), whose headquarters is across the street.

Ericsson will occupy slightly more than 14,000 square feet at Park Place.
The new mixed-use development northeast of 119th Street and Nall Avenue already has leased more than 17,000 square feet to Tortoise Capital Advisors LLC. The energy investment company will move in May from Corporate Woods in Overland Park.”

Park Place featured in Heartland Real Estate Business

03.01.2008

The March 2008 issue of Heartland Real Estate Business features Park Place in its “Midwest Mixed-Use Spotlight.”

From the article:

“When complete, the $450 million project will feature 200,000-square-feet of retail and restaurant space; 350,000-square-feet of Class A office space; up to 350 residential units; and two of Starwood Hotels’ newest concepts—a 158 room aloft hotel and a 140-room extended-stay hotel, element.”

“The residential component will include a mix of town homes, lofts and condominiums, which will benefit an area that is experiencing significant growth in Johnson County, Kan.”

“Supporting the center’s pedestrian-friendly environment, Park Place offers extensive green space, large sidewalks, and al fresco dining.”

Midwest Real Estate News Announces Park Place Office, Hotel

03.01.2008

Midwest Real Estate News announces Tortoise Capital Advisors moving to Park Place; Aloft Hotel to break ground.

From the article:

“Tortoise Capital Advisors LLC and Aloft Hotel have come part of Park Place, a “Main Street”-style, mixed use development that was set to hold a grand opening on March 29.

Tortoise Capital Advisors, an investment company specializing in closed-end funds, relocated its offices from Corporate Woods in Overland Park, Kan. to occupy approximately 17,500 square-feet at Park Place. Tortoise says it will move into its new location mid-May.
The Aloft Hotel, meanwhile, will be a six-story hotel with 158 rooms. It is franchised under the Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide flag and will open in late 2008.”

Melanie Mann featured as guest columnist in Kansas City Star

02.12.2008

Mann discussed the lasting effect that the 75 million baby boomers entering retirement during the next decade will have on the housing industry.

From the article:

“Today’s baby boomer is not only focused on downsizing, but is seeking a home that has more amenities and less hassle and is maintenance-free.”

“This lifestyle trend seeks to combine the best elements of city and suburban living – convenience, safety, low maintenance, access, variety of amenities and services.”

“This interest in pedestrian-friendly amenity-filled neighborhoods is on the rise, and the baby boomers are at the forefront.”

Kansas City Business Journal Highlights First Office Tenant at Park Place

02.08.2008

The February 8, 2008 issue of the Kansas City Business Journal reported that Tortoise Capital Advisors, LLC’s headquarters will nearly double in size when it makes the move to Park Place and leaves its Corporate Woods location behind.

From the article:

Mike Mayer, an office broker with Colliers Turley Martin Tucker, said “Park Place’s walkability and other features separate the mixed-use development’s office space from others. Interest will probably be strongest from companies whose executives live nearby and want to be near amenities planned for Park Place, as well as the neighboring Town Center.”

First Office Tenant and First Hotel Signed at Park Place

02.06.2008

Tortoise Capital Advisors, LLC and aloft hotel are the newest additions to the Park Place community.

Tortoise Capital Advisors, a pioneer in capital markets for master limited partnership (MLP) investment companies and a leader in closed-end funds, separately manages accounts focused on MLPs in the energy sector. As of December 31, 2007, the adviser had approximately $2.9 billion of assets under management. It is relocating its offices from Corporate Woods office park in Overland Park, Kan., to occupy approximately 17,500square feet at Park Place. Tortoise will move into its new location in mid-May.

aloft, a vision of W Hotels’, has made its way to Park Place. It will be a six-story hotel with 158 rooms that delivers more than just a place to sleep. aloft offers fun, fresh alternatives to the norm, including furnished loft-style guest rooms, oversized showers, flat panel televisions and numerous easy-to-use tech savvy services.

The aloft is franchised under the Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide flag and will open in late 2008.

Commercial Journal Kansas City Announced New Park Place Tenants

02.01.2008

The February/March 2008 issue of Commercial Journal Kansas City announced that RA Sushi and Ingredient are the latest restaurants to join Park Place.

From the article:

“RA Sushi will be a full-service Japanese restaurant with fresh sushi flown in daily. The menu will offer more than 20 signature sushi items, as well as pacific-rim-inspired dishes and an array of sake.”

“Ingredient, a local restaurant with its original location in Lawrence, will offer fast and casual, yet gourmet, dining. Using ingredients from local markets and farmers, Ingredient will offer breakfast, lunch and dinner.”

Park Place Featured in Shopping Centers Today

01.01.2008

In the Pipeline, a supplement to Shopping Centers Today and a guide to the country’s most exciting new retail projects featured Park Place and its developers, Melanie Mann and Jeff Alpert, in its article “Kansas City suburb gets 24/7 environment.”

From the article:

“Located a few hundred feet from city hall, the plush development that shares a name with one of the hottest properties on a Monopoly board will have 200,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, 350,000 square feet of office space and 350 residential units.”

“This project is very exciting for people who live here because it will be the only place in Johnson County with a 24/7 environment.”

“The restaurants, retail, and leisure space will attract people not only from Leawood, but people from surrounding communities.”

“Milton Bradley would be proud.”

Axis Lofts featured in Multi-Housing News

12.01.2007

Multi-Housing News recently featured the Axis Lofts at Park Place in its ‘news and notes’ section entitled, Loft Spaces to be Built at Park Place.

From the article:

“Axis Lofts is scheduled to open in fall 2008 at Park Place, the first mixed-use destination of its kind in Johnson County. Comprising 26 lofts in a four-story building over underground parking, Axis Lofts will add an urban flair to suburban Leawood. It will be next to Barkley Square, the main active public space at Park Place, where residents can walk to shops, eateries and entertainment. All residences will also overlook the Meadow, a green space with trees, flowers and walking paths.”

Local and national restaurants join Park Place mix

11.28.2007

RA Sushi and Ingredient are the latest restaurants to be a part of Park Place.

RA Sushi is a full-service Japanese cuisine restaurant with fresh sushi flown in daily. The menu offers more than 20 signature sushi items, pacific-rim inspired dishes and an array of saki. RA Sushi has locations in six states and was voted one of the top ten best new restaurants by MSN in 2006.

Ingredient, a local restaurant with its original location in Lawrence, Kan., offers gourmet fresh but fast casual dining. Using all its ingredients from local markets and farmers, Ingredient will offer coffee, breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu is friendly to both vegetarians and meat eaters with featured items including build-your-own salads and pizzas.

Park Place Names Greenspace, Installs Pavilion

10.19.2007

Park Place developers named its park after one of Johnson County’s community leaders who was instrumental in the development of the Johnson County Park and Recreation District, John Barkley.

“Since Park Place is located in the community, we wanted to pay tribute to a community leader, said Melanie Mann, co-developer of Park Place. “Barkley seemed the obvious choice because of his involvement with the Johnson County Parks District.”

Once open, activities at Barkley Square will encourage the community to gather all year long, through concerts, festivals and outdoor movies in the warm months and in the winter months it will convert to an ice rink.

Immediately adjacent to Barkley Square is the pavilion, which also is currently under construction. Composed of a steel cast, the structure was fabricated in and shipped from Italy. Once complete, the pavilion will stand approximately 12 feet tall and approximately 38 feet long.

“We chose the Italian design and cast steel material based upon how its decorative components will complement the residential and retail buildings and also because it’s incredibly durable in any type of weather,” said Mann. “Because this type of structure is not typical in the U.S., a specialized crew from Italy arrived last week to install the pavilion.” Opened year around, the pavilion will be used for skate rental, private parties, or a staging area.

New Urbanism at Park Place featured in Kansas City Business Journal

09.07.2007

Park Place was recently mentioned in the ‘In depth: Commercial Real Estate’ focus of the Kansas City Business Journal.

The article discusses how the new urbanism trend of building up and not out has arrived to the 30 acres in Johnson County known as Park Place.

From the article:

“One of the largest and most ambitious New Urbanism projects in the metro area is rising from the ground in Leawood, offering a setting for office space that’s unique to Johnson County.”

“(Melanie) Mann said she and (Jeff) Alpert have expected the typical Park Place office tenant to be a small firm engaged in the service industry, such as law firms or accounting offices, probably occupying spaces of around 3,000 square feet.”

“But we’ve been surprised at the companies that are talking to us about 10,000 to 20,000 square feet,” Mann said. “I’ve known people who have moved from large offices Downtown to the Plaza, and it really enhanced their workday to be in an area like that, and that’s the kind of environment we’re offering.”

“City Administrator Scott Lambers said that as Leawood’s fist approved New Urbanism plan, Park Place has shown other developers that Leawood could be a market for such projects. The city subsequently approved three additional projects that feature elements of New Urbanism – Mission Farms, Mission Corner and Parkway Plaza.

Park Place featured in Shopping Centers Business

08.01.2007

The leading monthly and business magazine for the shopping center industry, Shopping Centers Business, recently published an article about Park Place for its ‘center review’ section. The article was entitled “A Sense of Park Place: New mixed-use development adds unique offering to Kansas shopping district.”

The article entails a breakdown of the center and its live, play, work mentality.

From the article:

“Park Place’s immediate submarket boasts a $100,000-plus median income and has approximately 13 million square feet of office space. There is a nucleus of lifestyle and specialty shopping centers in the immediate vicinity of Park Place.”

“Collectively, it’s becoming the premier retail destination in Johnson County,” says Alpert. “It really is a cohesive retail district that is unique in all of Kansas City.”

“There’s nothing like it in Johnson County,” he says. “It is mixed-use, urban styled and high density relative to anything else in the market. What we’re trying to create is a sense of place, and the fact that it’s pedestrian-oriented and has structured parking also makes it unique for a retail district in Johnson County.”

Melanie Mann Featured in Urban Land

08.01.2007

Urban Land magazine recently had a feature on “Mixed-use Musings: Local governments are attempting to reinvent their municipalities on a traditional planning concept of blended uses” where Park Place Co-Developer, Melanie Mann, was quoted.

The article discusses the growing trend of building mixed-use developments across the entire United States.

From the article, Mann discussed the mixed-use trend by saying:

“You have to look at each component separately and ensure its needs are met from the standpoint of the market,” said Mann. She points out that while ground-floor retail increases the desirability of office space above, tenants expect a similar level of service provided at other Class A office properties in the marketplace, including a dedicated parking area.”

Park Place featured in 435 South

08.01.2007

435 South, the signature community lifestyle magazine created exclusively for the residents of Overland Park and Leawood, Kan., featured Park Place in its recent issue, entitled “Urban Oasis: Park Place delivers a luxurious urban lifestyle in south Johnson County.”

The article discusses what life will be like at Park Place for the future homeowners that will fill its three residential options: Axis Lofts, Meridian condominiums and townhomes.

From the article:

“Watch out, Johnson County – this fashionable new address is creating a lot of buzz and attracting curiosity from homeowners who want to carve out a unique lifestyle in one of the country’s top-rated suburban areas.”

“For the convenience of future homeowners, Alpert and Mann have chosen to construct the retail core of Park Place prior to housing, giving even the first homeowners full access to the diverse selection of retailers and dining.”

“Visually, residents will see streetscapes reminiscent of sophisticated cities like New York City, Boston, San Francisco and Chicago.”

“Park Place promises to be a jewel in Leawood’s crown – an unsurpassed community of urban-minded neighbors in an oasis unique to south Johnson County.”

Five New Tenants Announced for Park Place

07.09.2007

Morton’s The Steakhouse, Fish City Grill, Anabelles Fine Linens, Paciugo Gelato, and Envy Boutique all will be a part of Park Place.

Morton's, the world's largest operator of company-owned upscale steakhouses, will open in spring 2008 at the same time as the development’s two hotels, aloft and element. Patrons will enjoy a variety of steaks, fresh seafood and other fare in a venue that has received multiple awards and recognitions, including the “Most Popular Restaurants” by the Chicago Zagat survey.

Fish City Grill is a casual seafood restaurant with more than 20 locations across the United States. With fresh fish flown in daily and unique regional preparations, its laid-back service is delivered in a warm and cozy atmosphere.

Annabelles is a one-of-a-kind boutique well-known to Kansas City shoppers. Started by mother and daughter team, Betty and Lisa Payne in 1992, Annabelles offers the finest French and Italian linens, goose down bedding and fine bath furnishings. Annabelles also offers sleepwear, infant wear and christening gowns, and a variety of unique gift items.

The locally owned Envy Boutique offers West Coast style women’s clothing with brands such as Smashing Grandpa, Stencil, and Testament. Envy Boutique is moving to Park Place from its current location in Overland Park.

Paciugo Gelato has more than 200 delicious gelato recipes, with 40 flavors made fresh daily. Founded by Cristiana and Ugo Ginatta, with their son Vincenzon, they left their home town of Torin, Italy, to introduce Paciugo Gelato to America. This year, Town and Country Magazine named Paciugo Gelato one of the top 10 ice cream shops in America.

Park Place named one of the Top Projects in Kansas City

06.29.2007

Kansas City Business Journal recently released its list of “Top Area Construction Projects” for 2007. Park Place ranked number 10 based on the overall cost of construction.

These lists are compiled from surveys of construction companies and architecture firms, Kansas City Business Journal news coverage, and firms’ Web sites.

Stay in the Park at Two New Starwood Hotels

05.15.2007

Starwood Hotels, the parent company of St. Regis, Sheraton, Westin and W Hotels is bringing its two newest concepts to Park Place.

aloft, W Hotels’ newest concept, is an ideal choice for young professionals and business travelers. Delivering more than just a place to sleep, aloft offers fun, fresh alternatives to the norm, including stylishly furnished loft-style guest rooms, oversized showers, flat panel televisions and numerous easy-to-use tech savvy services. aloft’s cool bar scene and hip feel fits well within the urban style of Park Place. aloft at Park Place is a six-story hotel with 158 rooms.

element, a new extended-stay hotel brand from Westin, combines modern design with smart features—from modular furniture designed to encourage multi-tasking and productivity to swiveling flat-screen televisions to a kitchenette in each room. The eight-story hotel will include 178 rooms perfect for travelers on extended stay and families visiting the Leawood area. After spending a busy day of shopping, dining, ice skating or movie watching, travelers can return to element to unwind.

Both hotels are operated under the Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide flag and will open fall 2008.

Melanie Mann named one of 50 Influential Women in Kansas City

03.01.2007

Melanie Mann was named one of 50 Influential Women by KCB magazine. As co-developer of Park Place and president of Mann Development Company, she was recognized for her hard work at the first annual 50 Influential Women Luncheon in March.

From the article:
As a commercial developer, Melanie Mann has shaped the landscape of southern Johnson County for more than two decades. She is currently spearheading Park Place, a $125 million mixed-use development near Leawood’s Town Center Plaza. “We wanted to add a place to capitalize on the outstanding assets, amenities and reputation of Leawood—where people could enjoy dining and shopping, as well as civic and social activities,” says Mann. Because of her success as a developer, municipalities have welcomed her influence in their cities. Leawood Mayor Peggy Dunn believes Mann’s influence in the area is “visionary.” She says: “I feel most fortunate that Melanie Mann and Jeff Alpert chose the City of Leawood in which to locate Park Place. [They] raised the bar for all future new-urbanism projects in our community.”

Three New Stores Announced to Open at Park Place

02.23.2007

The Learning Tree, Le Rêve Salon and The Gallery at Park Place have announced their arrival to Park Place, when the first phase of the Leawood retail and office “main street” development opens this fall.

The Learning Tree is a locally owned toy, book and gift store. Their Park Place location is an addition to its Corinth Square store. Offering an array of toys, The Learning Tree also provides weekly story times.

Le Rêve Salon is a chic full-service nail salon featuring a warm and cozy environment. New to the metro area, Le Rêve will feature the latest techniques in manicures, pedicures, gels, silk wraps, acrylic and pink and white nails along with pipeless chairs circulating only fresh water. Le Rêve will be the only nail salon in the area to offer stone manicures and pedicures and citrus spa manicures and pedicures.

The Gallery at Park Place will feature fine original art by well-known artists, with attention to collectible art and originals from some of the top artists in the world. Also, showcased will be fine art glass and sculptures. LCD monitors will show footage of the artists at work as one of the educational facets for patrons to enjoy. The Gallery at Park Place will be the source of building fine art collections as well as educating the public on artists.

Four Restaurants Scheduled to Open at Park Place

01.01.2007

Trezo Vino Wine Bar and Bistro and two new PB&J concept restaurants will make their debut in the metro Kansas City area in fall 2007 when Park Place opens. California Pizza Kitchen will open its second Kansas City location in Park Place as well.

At Trezo Vino Wine Bar and Bistro, locals will be able to choose from one of Trezo Vino’s 165 wines by the bottle and 40 by the glass. Its full bar also features the bistro’s own wines. The menu, which was created as a complement to its wines, features tapas, salads, flatbreads and deserts all created by Chef Michael Peterson and Chef de Cuisine Jose Luis Granados. All of the items are made from scratch and prepared in the exhibition kitchen which invites guests to interact with the chef and watch the food preparation.

International pizza chain California Pizza Kitchen is adding its second Kansas City location at Park Place. Widely known for its innovative “California style” pizzas, such as its Original BBQ Chicken Pizza and the Jamaican Jerk Chicken pizza, CPK has 180 locations in 27 states and five foreign countries. In addition to pizza, CPK serves various kinds of pastas, salads and desserts for meat lovers, vegetarians and the health conscious.

Mixed-Use Development Underway in Southern Johnson County

01.01.2007

Construction is now underway for phase 1 of Park Place development in Leawood, KS. Ground was broken on November 2, 2005, for this $125 million project that will be located at the northeast corner of 117th and Nall.

Park Place is the first mixed-use destination of its kind in Johnson County. It is a pedestrian-friendly development that will offer 52 luxury condominiums, 125,000 square feet of retail shopping, 80,000 square feet of boutique “professional” office space above shops and restaurants along with parks and gardens. Park Place will be located in the heart of Leawood, bringing a vibrant and cosmopolitan lifestyle to one of Kansas City’s most desirable suburbs.

More than 300 people attended the groundbreaking and reception, including Leawood Mayor Peggy Dunn, Leawood City Council members Gary Bussing, Jim Rawlings, Gregory Peppes, James Taylor and Debra Filla, Kansas State Representative Pat Colloton, Leawood Chamber of Commerce Chair Marsha Monica and Leawood Chamber President and CEO Kevin Jeffries.

Putting the Park in its Place

01.01.2007

Additional parks, gardens and trails are coming to Leawood, Kan. When Park Place, a mixed-use pedestrian-friendly development is complete, residents will be able to gather or relax between shopping, dining and working.

Located at 117th Street and Nall, Park Place, will provide an educational experience and encourage the community to gather at the village square go for a walk on the walk/bike trail or just enjoy the flowers in the garden.

Developers Jeff Alpert and Melanie Mann deliberately incorporated lots of green in Park Place.

With sidewalks 20-feet-wide and surrounded by trees, planters and seasonal flowers, Park Place will encourage shopping, outdoor dining and neighborhood entertainment. The 13,440-square-foot public plaza named “The Soleil” will center the entire complex, while the buildings surround it, like planets orbiting the sun.

The Soliel will beckon the community to gather all year long, through concerts, festivals and outdoor movies in the warm months. From November through February, the The Soliel will convert to an ice rink.

Park Place will also contain two parks, and additional green space. The two parks, The Bosque and The Meadow, will feature a total of 54,000 square feet. The parks also will adjoin an 8.5 mile Leawood trail for hikers and bikers.