Exciting Redevelopment Plans for Prairie Village’s Old Macy’s Site
If you’ve been to Prairie Village recently, you might have noticed that the old Macy’s building has been an empty shell since it closed its doors in 2020. But the wait might finally be over! After several delays over the past four years, new life is on the horizon for the 71st Street and Mission Road location. The city’s planning commission recently gave the thumbs up to developers from First Washington, who have plans to transform the old department store into a shiny new Hen House grocery store along with additional retail and restaurant spaces.
What’s Happening?
The approval of this project is a sigh of relief for many locals who have been eagerly awaiting updates. The plans that were just approved are a culmination of several revisions, with the city’s planning commission last month raising concerns about how traffic flow and pedestrian safety were being considered. Listening to this feedback, the president of First Washington, Greg Zike, presented some tweaks that include improved landscaping and a new pedestrian sidewalk, making the area more accessible for everyone. It seems that officials were satisfied with these changes, paving the way for this project to move forward!
What’s Next?
While we’re celebrating this milestone, there remains a bit of suspense as to when the redevelopment will officially break ground. Unfortunately, the developers haven’t provided any clues about the timeline, leaving residents eagerly guessing. It would be wonderful to see things kicking off soon, but we’ll have to be patient for just a bit longer.
A Look Back
For a bit of history, the Macy’s store, located at 4000 W. 71st St., has a long-standing connection to the community. Before it was a Macy’s, this site was home to the locally beloved Jones Store, which operated from 1958 and was a cornerstone of the community for many years. The shift to Macy’s happened in 2006 and it served the local market until it shut down during the pandemic.
Development Evolution
Things were quite ambitious when the developers first took on this project, aiming to create a multi-layered building with offices on top, a gym below, and a grocery store in between. Over time, the plans have evolved quite a bit. The latest updates indicate that there will no longer be a gym, with plans instead for several restaurants and retailers on the lower level alongside the Hen House supermarket.
Community Impact
Having a Hen House in the area is sure to bring some excitement. This grocery store is already a favorite, with another location just down the road at 6950 Mission Road. With the new project termed an “assumed relocation” of that store, it’s clear there are so many possibilities for better shopping experiences right in our neighborhood!
What’s in Store?
As the project progresses, many are wondering who else might join the lineup of tenants. Unfortunately, no hints have been dropped yet from the developers, leaving us all in suspense. But it’s exciting to think about the new dining and shopping options that could be coming to The Shops of Prairie Village, which already boasts delightful spots like Cafe Provence, Dolce Bakery, and Caffetteria Modern Eatery.
Final Thoughts
So, as we keep an eye on the developments at the old Macy’s site, there’s a sense of hope and anticipation in Prairie Village. While it’s been a long journey filled with waiting, adjustments, and planning commission meetings, we’re finally seeing some real progress. Who knows? Soon enough, we might see the doors of a vibrant new Hen House open, along with a variety of lively eateries and shops surrounding it.
Stay tuned, Prairie Village—we’re eager to see what the future holds!
