‘What they’ve been waiting for’: New Johnson County shopping center is in the works

Rooftop restaurants, green space and dozens of new shops are on the way to Overland Park’s burgeoning Bluhawk development .

The Boundary at Bluhawk, which will sit off 159th Street and Shawnee Drive, will add a “lifestyle center” to the development. The shopping and lounge area is expected to be completed in 2026.

Last week, Bluhawk released its conceptual design of The Boundary, which features 200,000 square feet of restaurants and shops, a big screen, a fountain and several green spaces and play areas.

Bart Lowen, vice president of development for Price Brothers Management Co., said he expects the design to remain mostly the same, though there might be slight changes as they lease spaces.

“It’s what the community wants to see,” Lowen said. “It’s what they’ve been waiting for because it does create that gathering space.”

The Boundary is expected to cost $75 million, Lowen said.

Holly Rome, executive for national retail leasing for real estate company JLL, said The Boundary does not have any tenants signed yet. JLL is in negotiations with several potential tenants, which Rome did not disclose.

“We envision rooftop bars and great shopping,” she said. “As people visit us from out of town … they’ll have a place to go and experience Kansas City.”

They’re looking for “the best of the best” restaurant and retail brands, Lowen added.

Another 200,000 square feet of shops and restaurants will be added for The Boundary’s second phase, which is not included in the current renderings. They’re focusing on leasing and building one phase at a time, Lowen said.

Bluhawk is anchored by the 420,000-square-foot AdventHealth Sports Park , which will include ice rinks, basketball courts, volleyball courts, 40,000 square feet of turf, a sprinting track and a café.

The first phase of the sports park is set to open this fall.

Previously, Price Brothers secured $70 million in tax incentives through STAR bonds for the project. Initially, Price Brothers competed with another developer proposing a complex with an ice rink just miles away in Olathe.

The Boundary is meant to provide shopping and dining opportunities for families who visit the sports park. The shopping center’s entrance will back up to the sports park.

“You can envision when the kids are done with a volleyball match and they have two hours to wait for the next game,” Rome said. “They’re at the Boundary … hanging out on the green spaces. Their parents are eating at the restaurants. They’re shopping for their next outfit.”

Right now, Bluhawk has a few dozen retailers in operation south of 159th Street, between Antioch Road and U.S. 69.

Current tenants include Cosentino’s Market, Of Course Kitchen & Co., Magic Noodle and Costa Vida.

Outdoor retailer Sierra recently opened at the shopping center.