Merriam Grand Station has positioned itself as a notable mixed-use success at a time when such projects have become increasingly difficult to deliver, particularly in the Midwest.
Conceived amid economic uncertainty, rising interest rates, construction cost escalation and volatile capital markets, Merriam Grand Station Lofts stands out for its ability to move from vision to execution through persistence, innovation and strong public-private collaboration.
The development is among the few true mixed-use projects completed in the region in recent years. Located at a prominent intersection along one of the Kansas City area’s busiest corridors, Merriam Grand Station was designed to meet evolving consumer preferences by combining residential, dining, retail, health and wellness, and gathering spaces in a walkable environment with convenient regional access.
The project also represents a significant infill redevelopment. The 14-acre site had sat vacant for more than a decade as a former Kmart property.
Redevelopment required a lengthy and complex property assemblage involving multiple owners, followed by environmental remediation and extensive site work to address a nearly 60-foot grade change.
From a market standpoint, the commercial component was fully leased with a lineup that includes Starbucks, CAVA, Jersey Mike’s, Treats Unleashed, Supplement Superstore, 30hop, HomeGrown and Shake Shack. The multifamily portion reached 92% occupancy in less than 15 months.
Collectively, the development transformed a long-blighted site into a vibrant destination, which is why it was selected by a panel of local industry professionals as the winner of the 2026 CoStar Impact Awards commercial development of the year for Kansas City.
About the project: Sustainability and long-term performance were also central to the development strategy of the $140 million project. Merriam Grand Station incorporates on-site solar panels and more than 40 electric vehicle charging stations serving residents and visitors. These features support energy conservation while positioning the project for future mobility trends.
Public-private partnership included Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and Industrial Review Bonds (IRB) for sales tax exemption on materials and property tax abatement.
What the judges said: "Drake successfully curated a diverse and high-quality tenant mix that has had a significant catalytic impact on this corridor,” Sheryl Vickers, president of Select Sites, said. “The combination of residential density, grocery access, and top-tier food and beverage uses creates a true mixed-use environment that supports daily living while strengthening the surrounding commercial ecosystem.”
Chuck Connealy, principle at Waterford Property Co., added, “The area at Shawnee Mission Parkway and Antioch had become blighted over the past ten years. This Class A project brings life back to a wonderful neighborhood.”
They made it happen: Drake Development, led by CEO and co-founder Matt Pennington, brought the project to fruition with a full team of partners spanning design, construction and operations. TRi Architects handled the apartment design, while Klover Architects led the commercial component. Construction was overseen by Brinkmann Constructors on the residential side and ARC on the commercial portion. Yates & Yates Co. is responsible for leasing and managing the apartments, rounding out the group that made the development possible.