OP greenlights Edison District walking community envisioned by former startup executive

Less than a month after announcing the launch of a second coworking location in Johnson County, the former startup executive behind Edison Spaces revealed news of a new project: a mixed-use district that repurposes a block previously defined by its church grounds.

Centered around a five-story office building that features a chef-driven food hall, the Edison District development was approved Monday by the Overland Park City Council, said Tim Barton, Edison Spaces co-founder and former chairman/CEO of Freightquote.com.

“Edison District aims to bring new energy, working professionals, and entertainment amenities to downtown Overland Park while being heavily invested in the existing community,” Barton said. “We are focused on balance. Our ultimate goal is to help to economically, culturally, and socially revitalize the area. We are confident that as people learn more about our development plans and planned activities and entertainment, the more they will anticipate its completion.”

In addition to more than 100,000 square feet of office space, the project envisions a four-level parking garage with more than 400 new spaces, and a large central plaza. The downtown block includes the former Overland Park Presbyterian Church.

Construction is scheduled to begin Aug. 1, 2018, and completed in late 2019.

“We have been actively searching for a true walking community in Johnson County for our next location in Kansas City.  Downtown OP has the historic Santa Fe shops, 700 apartments coming online, the Matt Ross Community Center, the Farmers’ Market,” said Matt Druten, co-founder/CEO of Edison Spaces, and partner in the new project. “The Edison District will be the final puzzle piece needed to create a truly unique area.”  

It will be the first such project in Johnson Country to truly provide an environment where employees can choose not to have a car,” said Tim Schaffer, president of AREA Real Estate Advisors, which is representing Edison District in lease negotiations.

“Everything a person needs in their daily personal and work life will be in their neighborhood and within walking distance. Not a new concept but one we have lost that is being rediscovered again,” Schaffer said. “This District’s environment is what today’s top talent is seeking and one employers require in a location as they compete to recruit and retain the areas best and brightest talent.”