Over the weekend, SVN Blackstream's Reedy River Retail Associate Advisor Brett Mitchell provided sample concept drawings for the 13-plus acre property on West Main Street in Lawrence.
Mitchell called the property a “blank canvas” but suggested potential developers consider the space for a grocery store anchor.
The site is included in the Connecting Lawrence plan, which boasts a public park, expanded trails and an extension of the Swamp Rabbit Trail. Directly across from the former BI-LO building, where the long-awaited Big Air Trampoline Park will open this spring.
“This location is the perfect setting for a carefully selected combination of shops, cafes and essential services surrounding our flagship grocery store,” Mitchell said in a social media post.
In addition to a grocery store, Mitchell presented a vision for a village-style center with thoughtfully designed spaces for the community to gather.
Born and raised in Clinton, this real estate agent knows what the City of Lawrence needs, and the property owners wholeheartedly agree.
“The idea is conceptual at this point. I just wanted to paint a picture,” Mitchell said. “We wanted a grocery store on this side of town, so we want to be good stewards of that property.”
He said the landowners share the vision, live in Lawrence and understand the need. This is the owner's old mansion and has some emotional ties, which has made the team a little more cautious about the sale.
Creating a design before a sale helps developers and local residents visualize the final project. It may not be accurate, but it provides an overall vision of the seller.
“We have successfully proposed conceptual plans for properties in the past and this morning alone we have already received 10 calls from interested developers,” Mitchell said. .
The land is currently zoned for commercial use and, of course, any offer will be presented to the landowner, but when Mitchell met with them it was clear that they all had the same idea.
“We really want something that Lawrence can be proud of. This area is primed and poised for growth. It was once thriving, but with the entry of Big Air, this property is poised to have a grocery store, maybe a bank, and maybe some quick-service restaurants,” Mitchell said.
For now, the plans Mitchell posted on social media are just preliminary plans, but the excitement surrounding the idea of providing a core grocery store and other services to the community is palpable.
Most importantly, Mitchell and the property owners hope the developer will come with a plan to showcase spots for the entire community to enjoy.
