A major development proposal took center stage at the recent Planning Commission meeting in Leawood, Kansas, as the applicant unveiled plans for a sprawling 1.48 million square feet of construction. This ambitious project includes a mix of office space, hospitality, residential units, and community amenities, aiming to transform the area bounded by College Boulevard, State Line Road, I-435, and Leawood Dog Park.

The proposal features 857,000 square feet dedicated to office use, a 65,000 square foot hotel with 145 rooms, and a 10,000 square foot event center. Additionally, it plans for 4,099 square feet of residential living space, comprising 400 dwelling units, a 14,000 square foot daycare center, and 16,000 square feet of retail space. A notable highlight is a 10-foot-wide trail that will connect the development to Leawood City Park and the Leawood Dog Park, enhancing community access to green spaces.

In a significant request, the applicant is seeking a 55% discount on the residential square footage, which, along with other deviations, would lower the floor area ratio to 0.45. This adjustment is part of a broader strategy to integrate the development with existing recreational and commercial uses in the surrounding area.

The project also references a previous agreement from February 2013, where the city accepted a donation of approximately 5.8 acres of land for the dog park. This land will be considered part of the overall open space for the development, allowing it to be included in the calculations for the floor area ratio.

The proposed buildings will vary in height, ranging from 35 feet to a striking 200 feet, marking a significant addition to the Leawood skyline. As discussions continue, the Planning Commission will weigh the potential impacts and benefits of this extensive development on the community.