The City of Merriam is investing in the future through two exciting redevelopment projects: Merriam Grand Station and Merriam Grand Station Marketplace. These projects, located at key sites along Shawnee Mission Parkway, support the City’s Comprehensive Plan and reflect residents’ priorities for economic growth, revitalization, and improved amenities.
Merriam Grand Marketplace
Merriam Grand Marketplace is a transformative mixed-use development located just north of Shawnee Mission Parkway, on the site of the former Johnson County Library. This redevelopment project aims to transform an underutilized property into a vibrant, welcoming place that meets the evolving needs of the Merriam community. The project supports City priorities for housing diversity, economic growth, and revitalization.
Project Overview
- Location: Shawnee Mission Parkway, north to 62nd Terrace, between Ikea Way and Antioch.
- Total Investment: $102 million
- Development Team: Drake Development
Project Components
- Residential Units: Over 200 modern apartment units, with 18 designated for affordability
- Restaurant(s): One to two sit-down restaurants
- Public Amenities: Green spaces and pedestrian pathways
Community Improvement District (CID)
To facilitate the development, Merriam City Council approved a 1% Community Improvement District (CID) sales tax. The CID will begin collections on October 1, 2025. The district includes restaurants and retail at Merriam Grand Station, Merriam Grand Marketplace, and adjacent properties. However, the new grocery store will be excluded from the CID to prevent increased grocery costs for residents.
The projected revenue from the CID is approximately $6.3 million over a 22-year period, which will be used to pay off general-obligation bonds issued by the City. Drake Development agreed to guarantee $5 million of the projected CID revenue, with a payback clause if the minimum is not met.
A public hearing to consider the establishment of the CID was held Monday, June 16, 2025, at 7 p.m. during a Special City Council meeting. Certified mail was sent to all property owners within the CID area, and notices were published in The Legal Record on May 20 and May 27, 2025.
Public Meetings
June 16, 2025: Special City Council Meeting
Agenda | Presentation(PDF, 5MB)
Merriam City Council approved a redevelopment agreement with Drake Development and financial incentives to support the development, including tax increment financing, CID, and property tax abatement.
- City Council meetings are held at Merriam City Hall on the second and fourth Monday of each month, beginning at 7 p.m. All meetings are open to the public.
- When there are items to consider, Planning Commission meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month, beginning at 7 p.m.
Merriam Grand Station
Merriam Grand Station is a transformative $140 million mixed-use development built on the former Kmart site along Shawnee Mission Parkway at I‑35. Spearheaded by Drake Development, the project marks a major revitalization effort aimed at creating a welcoming and vibrant entrance to the City. The project supports the 2040 Comprehensive Plan by promoting economic vitality and enhancing quality of life.
The new gateway to Merriam includes a cohesive, modern blend of residential living, eateries, communal space, and retail that underscores the City’s forward momentum. The project emphasizes a shift toward more pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use development for the community. As a centerpiece in revitalizing the City’s primary intersection, it’s expected to boost job and housing opportunities while anchoring growth and placemaking for Merriam.
Key features include:
- 361 apartments (split across two four‑story buildings)
- Dining & retail spaces: 30hop, HomeGrown KC, Starbucks, Jersey Mike’s, Cava, Treats Unleashed, Shake Shack, and Supplement Superstore all join the existing Freddy’s and Krispy Kreme
- A large outdoor gathering space with a canopy, complete with firepits, and a stage designed to encourage events and social interaction
Timeline & Impact:
- Merriam’s City Council approved the redevelopment and $102 million in industrial revenue bonds in mid-2022
- Construction formally began later in 2022, and, by late 2024, apartments were leasing and many retail locations had opened.
- The project is funded via a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district, mitigating direct tax impacts on existing residents.