Lane4 Property Group tells what’s in store for retail in 2014

A year ago, Lane4 Property Group reported retail construction in the Kansas City area was up again after five slow years.

That observation played out in 2013, as grading started on several new projects, and retailers increasingly opened area stores or announced plans to open new locations.

Now Lane4, a Kansas City commercial real estate firm that specializes in retail developments, says 2014 is poised to be a solid year.

Urban and so-called infill areas are becoming increasingly popular as both developers and retailers take advantage of the dense populations, outdated shopping centers ready for renovation, and an increasing number of Kansas Citians choosing to live closer in.

Retailers are also discovering that many of these older areas have been starved of not only unique, but even basic restaurant, fashion, and other retail formats commonly found in the suburbs, the report said. Demand for Class A locations continues to outpace demand throughout the metro.

Among the retail highlights of 2014 Kansas City Retail Report:

Northwest Kansas City: Some Northland centers are boasting their strongest sales and occupancy levels to-date. Land north of Tiffany Springs MarketCenter should be developed in the new few years with a major anchor and smaller tenants.

Northeast Kansas City: The Village at Shoal Creek saw the opening of the Mosaic Life Care, a 47,000-square-foot urgent, primary care and surgery center, an example of the new breed of shopping center anchors, and Cheddars cafe is scheduled to open soon. Sams Club plans to open a new store this summer at 8130 N. Church Road.

Central Kansas City: Lane4 called this one of the most robust markets in the area and that has led to increased competition for desirable retail space. While Halls announcement that it is leaving the Country Club Plaza this year may have disappointed many of the department stores customers, it does open up a large space in the heart of the Plaza for a single tenant or it could possibly be subdivided for multiple tenants.

South Kansas City: The former Dillards spot is still available on the south end of Ward Parkway Center. Redevelopment efforts also are continuing at Truman Corners in Grandview and at the former Bannister Mall site in south Kansas City.

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Lane4 Property Group tells what’s in store for retail in 2014