The Legends at Village West is now known as the Legends Outlets Kansas City.

The name change was made in connection with a new transformation of the shopping center to a destination of outlet centers.

“Consumer buying habits have shifted,” said Lisa Quier Wagner, a consultant involved for The Legends. “There is a demand for higher value over the past 18 months, but consumers’ top priority is still the brand. Value and experience are still important. With outlet centers carrying an average discount of 37 percent, The Legends will be the best of both and a win-win for consumers.” 


The Legends is seeking to attain about 294,000 square feet in outlet retailers. They have 27 current outlets and more will announce soon.

A new logo for The Legends has been designed as well.

“Outlet retailers have squashed the connotation that its merchandise is overstock of lower quality or clearance items,” Wagner said. “Outlet centers today are shopping destinations with affordable brand name options of quality goods.”

The Unified Government's Board of Commissioners approved a redevelopment plan and agreement for the TIF project on 39th and Rainbow.

The UG is partnering with Rainbow Real Estate Partners, LLC on a four-part project in the area. Two parts of it were approved last night.

Once completed, an 89-room hotel will be built, with a 68-room apartment building and over 30,000 of square feet of commercial retail will be available. About two-thirds of the retail must generate retail sales tax, according to the agreement.

The total project will cost $35 million, with the developer receiving $5.9 million in TIF incentives. A self-imposed sales tax and new market tax credits will also fund the project.

Although the project's completion isn't schedule until Dec. 31, 2011, a lot of the work is done.

"About 65 to 70 percent of the tenants are pretty much filled up," said Chase Simmons, an attorney representing the developer. "We have to work out some details with others."

Simmons promises a "national franchise" hotel. The project is also looking for an apartment manager.

While it's full speed ahead on the development front, there's one business that feels left behind.

Representatives from Jaywalkers Sports Bar, a restaurant bar and grill, spoke about the development. Jaywalkers and a small hotel are scheduled for demolition to make room for the development.

Shawn Nelson, a manager partner at Jaywalkers, said the business feels like it has "no protection" on the matter.

"We have six years left on our lease," Nelson said. "We have not been involved in these discussions. We would like one or two pages in the agreement that will protect our losses."

Other representatives of the bar and grill say a buyout of $70,000 has been offered to them. Meanwhile, Jaywalkers said they have invested over $180,000 into the business.

"For three years we paid our taxes and we tried to do a great job for the community," said Phil Nigro, another partner in the business. "These guys should step up to the plate. We got an offer that's less than half of what we invested. It's 'take your losses and get out.'"

Deputy County Administrator Doug Bach said the UG was aware of the situation.

"We made sure good communication was happening," Bach said. "There's nothing to indicate that communication wasn't happening."

Simmons said the development group would work around the business if necessary.

"We can design around it," he said. "That's not the best thing. We've asked for a counter offer and they have been involved in the process."

The project has been planned since last summer. A public hearing that spanned over two separate meetings was held earlier this year.

Jerry Lapid, a former business owner in Wyandotte County, died this week.

Lapid owned ABC Furniture, which was in operation on Minnesota Avenue for 45 years.

Here's the entire obituary of Lapid's life.

Jerry Lapid, 90, of Leawood, Kan., died Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010, two days before his 91st birthday. Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, 2010, at Louis Memorial Chapel. Burial at Kehilath Israel Blue Ridge Cemetery.

Jerry was born Feb. 11, 1919, in Grodno, Poland. His original name was Jozsua Lapidus, which he changed to Jerry Lapid when he immigrated to the United States in December 1938 at the age of 19. Jerry’s family knew of the threat of the war and the Nazis, and wanted at least the oldest son to leave for America.

On Dec. 18, 1918, Jerry arrived in the U.S. -- one month before he would have reached the age of military service and not be allowed to leave Poland. Jerry lost his entire family in the Holocaust.

Jerry Lapid served in the U.S. Army in the intelligence unit. He was awarded four bronze stars for his service. In October 1945, Jerry was discharged and came to Kansas City with his wife, Hortense Polsky Lapid. The following year, he opened the Paseo Deli at 39th Street and The Paseo in Kansas City, Mo.

Jerry was partner and co-owner of ABC Furniture & Appliance Center with Sherwin “Rose” Rosenthal of blessed memory. ABC Furniture was a fixture on Minnesota Avenue in Kansas City, Kan., for 45 years. Jerry’s son, Howard Lapid, joined the business in 1970 for six years and returned in 1984 as a partner. Howard continued with the business until Jerry’s retirement in 1998.

He was past commander of Jewish War Veterans, past president of B’nai B’rith Beth Horan Lodge, a member of Ohev Sholom Synagogue and a past member of its board of directors. He was also a member of the ROMEOs organization.

Jerry’s passion was art, particularly making stained-glass artwork and sketching. He also enjoyed golf, swimming and bridge.

He is survived by his wife, Sara Clurman Lapid of Gilroy, Calif.; daughter, Mary Ann Wexler and her husband Louis of Leawood, Kan., son, Howard Lapid of Kansas City, Mo.; three grandchildren, Randy Wexler and wife Sheila of Lenexa, Kan., Heather Wexler of Overland Park, Kan., and David Wexler of Overland Park, Kan; three great-grandchildren, Hannah, Jackson and Ruby Wexler; stepson, Steve Clurman, wife Ruth-Ann and children of St. Louis, Mo.; stepdaughter, Elyse Clurman Cipolla and husband Peter of Monterey, Calif.; and cousin Sara Gastman and her husband Ted of St. Petersburg, Fla.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Hortense Polsky Lapid.

Family requests no flowers. Contributions to the American Heart Association, the Alzheimer’s Association or a charity of one’s choice.

The family wished to thank VITAS Innovative Hospice Care of Kansas City and the Clare Bridge of Leawood Assisted Living Facility for their love, care and support for Jerry.

Earp Meat Company of Edwardsville, Kan., will receive $5 million in allocated funding from the Kansas Department of Commerce.

The funds were received from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Areas were targeted based on recovery needs and the economic situation.

Earp is one of four businesses to receive funding.

Over $99 million worth of requests were made to the state; only $30.6 million were rewarded in the competitive process.

UPDATE: More on the funds, from a press release:

Recovery Zone Facility Bonds and Recovery Zone Economic Development Bonds are two new types of bonds created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to help economically distressed areas. Recovery Zone Facility Bonds are much like Private Activity Bonds and can be used for privately owned or used projects. These bonds are federally tax exempt, which can provide the issuer with a lower cost of capital. Recovery Zone Economic Development Bonds, which are used for public infrastructure, are fully taxable to the bond holders, but the U.S. Treasury will pay to the issuer (cities, counties) an amount equal to 45 percent of each interest payment.
 
The Kansas Department of Commerce reviewed applications for these two categories of bonds through a competitive process. The Recovery Zone Facility Bond process was exceptionally competitive, with the Department of Commerce receiving $99 million in requests for $30.617 million in available authority.
 
Organizations that have been issued bond authority through the first round of this reallocation process must confirm their intent to issue bonds with the Department of Commerce’s Bond Allocation Administrator by February 17, 2010. Allocations that are not confirmed by this date will be surrendered and redistributed among other applicants. The bond authority allocated to a project may be combined with other funding sources. This bond allocation expires if the bonds are not issued by May 31, 2010.

In a continuation of a public hearing for a TIF development that stretches from 39th and Rainbow to 40th and Adams in Rosedale, more information was released about the project.

But concerns from business owners already in the area remain, which were voiced at Thursday night's Unified Government Board of Commissioners meeting. The entire project is $35 million and includes an 89-room hotel, over 60 "Class A" departments and 30,000 of mixed retail and businesses.

Chase Simmons of Polsinelli Law Firm spoke out in representation of Rainbow Redevelopment Partners, the group responsible for the development of the TIF project.

"It's very consistent with the Rosedale Master Plan," he said. "You see buildings and structures very much like these in Rosedale."

In order to establish a TIF district, nine criteria must be met in the area. Two independent studies established that nine criteria exist, Simmons said.

While the majority of Thursday night's attendants strongly support the TIF project, a few tenants within the district have questions about it.

Shawn Nelson of Jaywalkers Sports Bar & Grill – which is located inside the TIF boundaries – said the lack of action has left his business and the bar's 15 employees in limbo.

"We are still a business," he said. "A valuable business. We're still trying to do good things in the community."

Since opening about three years ago, Jaywalkers has generated $130,000 in sales tax. Nelson said 15 employees at the business are unsure if they'll have jobs soon.

"We don't feel like we're part of the process," he said.

Carl Scruggs, who's also a tenant in the area, voiced similar concerns.

"I was not aware of the project," he said. "I'm not quite sure what the next step is for my business."

Interestingly, both said the TIF project would be good for the Rosedale area.

Simmons said the development's partners will work with the area owners. But....

"We can't make everyone feel great right now and say we can buy them out."

As for the project, it's scheduled completion date would be Fall 2011 if everything is approved. Other representatives for the project said Mariott is close to an agreement on becoming the hotel brand associated with the TIF project.

At Thursday's meeting, nothing was approved as it was just a public hearing.

PHOTO: Shawn Nelson of Jaywalkers addresses the Unified Government's Board of Commissioners at Thursday night's meeting. The UG held a public hearing about a TIF development project on 39th and Rainbow.

Wheat State Pizza will begin serving its pizza at Donnelly College starting next Monday, Jan. 25.

Pizza will be served during the lunch hour at the college.

Wheat State Pizza is also located in Kansas City, Kan., on Strawberry Hill.

The deal between the State of Kansas, Unified Government and Kansas City Wizards is reverberating across the political, local and sports world.

Here are a collection of statements from various parties.

Kansas Governor Mark Parkinson:

“I applaud the work of Mayor Reardon, the Wyandotte County Commissioners, Secretary Thornton and the entire team at the Department of Commerce for bringing thousands of jobs to Kansas and helping our state get back on track. The proposal we offered was responsible and did not overreach; as a result, we were successful.”

Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber:

“We applaud OnGoal and the State of Kansas for creating an innovative partnership to bring a world-class soccer stadium to Kansas City. Lamar Hunt’s vision to build true homes for the soccer community began more than 10 years ago and we will now have a minimum of 12 clubs playing in stadiums built for built for MLS teams by 2011. This new stadium will provide the appropriate environment for our fans to enjoy the beautiful game and give young players the opportunity to dream about playing on that field for the Wizards someday.”

Unified Government/Wyandotte County Administrator Dennis Hays:

“It will not only bring jobs, but new housing and families to our community,” explained Wyandotte County Administrator Dennis Hays. “This will truly make Wyandotte County a growing and vital county in the Kansas City metro and a true destination for the entire Midwest.”
 

The Unified Government Board of Commissioners unanimously approved of multiple motions tonight that will officially allow for construction on the new Kansas City Wizards' stadium and new Cerner facility to begin.

In a process that began in September, Kansas City, Kan., will now be home to a Major League Soccer team permanently and an office complex expected to bring thousands of jobs.

For Cerner, a 600,000 square feet office complex will be built, which will generate about 4,000 jobs in job creation within four years. For the Wizards, a brand new soccer-only 18,000-seat stadium.

For Wyandotte County, the biggest benefit will be jobs.

"The (Cerner office) is part of the journey of Wyandotte County," said Joe Reardon, Unified Government Mayor/CEO. "When you look at the economy in Wyandotte County, so much of it is still tied to industry. These will be job opportunities for the near term and the long-term."

Along with the jobs created by Cerner, over 1,000 construction jobs will be created during the project's construction.

Financially, the plan will be boosted by $147 million in STAR bond proceeds generated by sales tax revenues. No property tax dollars will be used to finance it.

A $30 million investment from private donors and investors will finance a 18-field facility at Wyandotte County Park. The fields are expected to draw over 2 million to Wyandotte County.

Three recreational soccer fields will also be built across Wyandotte County. They will be spread out over the county's geography.

"The development of these fields will allow us to bring development in the sport of soccer in Kansas City," said Robb Heineman, OnGoal CEO. (OnGoal owns the Wizards.) "I think the two million number is too low. There's no reason to think this won't be a first class complex."

Heineman believes league tournaments not just from Kansas City – but across the United States and throughout Europe – will select KCK as a host city.

Cliff Illig, vice chairman and co-founder of Cerner, said Cerner's expansion across the state-line is exciting.

"We see Kansas City as a community without a state line," he said. "We've grown our business and we're just excited to serve as part of this joint vision."

The soccer stadium, located across the street from Nebraska Furniture Mart, will be completed by the opening of the 2012 season. The recreation fields will be available for use in 2011.
 

Sarah E. Richardson, 86, of Liberty, MO a former Real Estate Owner died on December 24, 2009.  Visitation will be from Noon to 1 p.m. with Memorial services following at 1 p.m. Tuesday, December 29, 2009 at Mt. Moriah and Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64131. 

Private burial of her ashes at Mt. Moriah Cemetery.  Donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Unit at Ashton Court, 1200 W. College, Liberty, MO 64068. 

Mrs. Richardson owned the Sarah E. Richardson Real Estate Company and was a realtor for more than 35 years, retiring in 1990.  She was a Certified Residential Broker and Appraiser and graduated from the Kansas Realtors Institute. 

She was a Past President of the Wyandotte County Board of Realtors and was Realtor of the Year in 1978.  She was formally a Director of Kansas Association of Realtors, Charter member Wyandotte County Chapter of the Women's Council of the National Association of Real Estate Boards, Director and Sr. Vice President Kansas City, Kansas Area Chamber of Commerce and an honorary lifetime member. 

She was active in the United States Chamber of Commerce, Kansas City Kansas Woman's Chamber of Commerce, on the Advisory Board of Board of Public Utilities, listed in "Who's Who in Real Estate" and was a Past Director of Westgate State Bank and Zonta International. 

She was preceded in death by her son, John Richardson,two sisters, Sylvia Hamilton, Dorothy McGrath, and two brothers, William Walinow and Joe Walinow.  She is survived by her husband Joe Richardson of Liberty, MO, son, Michael D. Richardson, Liberty, MO, two nieces, Virginia Waller and Karen Loveland and one nephew, William Walinow.  Arrangements:  Mt. Moriah and Freeman 816-942-2004.

As Kansas City Wizards president Robb Heineman promised late last week, there is indeed activity out at Village West in relation to the team's new stadium, located across Nebraska Furniture Mart.

About six heavy machinery can be spotted at the site.

Our friends at Hillcrest Road Blog – the official blog of the Wizards – have posted a photo gallery of the site.

The Kansas City, Kan., Police Department is now hiring.

This page is linked at the department's Web site. The posting was made on the Unified Government's Web site in November. Applicants have until February 2010 to apply for a position on the department.

The announcement is made after the department was spared 16 cuts after police officers voted against accepting a raise in their salary.

Sealy Mattress, the largest bedding manufacturer in North America, will move its Wyandotte County location to 435 Riverpark next July.

The move is the result of a newer and larger facility – about 20 percent more than its current location. Over 100 manufacturing jobs will be maintained or created due to the move, which was announced this week.

Sealy will be located at the building for at least 10 years.

"Keeping the quality-driven and world recognized brand of the Sealy Mattress Company associated with Wyandotte County for at least ten more years is a huge credit to the community and our local workforce," Unified Government Mayor/CEO Joe Reardon said. "Our development team continues to work hard to retain local businesses, which will prove to be a huge advantage for Wyandotte County in the short and long-term."

The KCK plant manufactures products for Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska and Arkansas.