A major new entertainment and mixed-use development could bring additional meeting, event, and hospitality options to the Kansas City region. Velocity Arts has proposed Velocity, a 335-acre district in Gardner, Kansas, approximately 30 miles southwest of downtown Kansas City along the I-35 corridor.
Designed by Populous and constructed by McCownGordon Construction, the walkable district intends to combine entertainment, education, hospitality, dining, retail, recreation, and public spaces into a year-round destination for the region. Among its major plans are a proposed 15,000-seat indoor climate-controlled concert pavilion, a performing arts center, an esports arena, and convention and meeting facilities. Plans also call for a media college, restaurants, retail, parks, waterfront amenities, and other gathering spaces.
If completed, the project would rank among the Kansas City area’s largest mixed-use entertainment developments.
According to Velocity Arts, the district is intended to attract visitors for concerts, festivals, conferences and other events while encouraging longer stays through its mix of entertainment, recreation, and hospitality offerings.
“We’re not simply building another entertainment venue,” Velocity Arts CEO Josh Shibler said in a recent statement. “We’re creating a district where people can attend a concert, take a class, spend a weekend, meet with colleagues, discover local businesses and return again for a completely different experience.”
The Gardner City Planning Commission will review the development proposal on Aug. 24. If approved, it moves to City Council on Sept. 21.
MEET
For 20+ years, the MEET family of products have provided regional and national resources that have kept corporate, association, medical, education, independent, and religious meeting and event planners informed about relevant vendors, industry news, tech innovations, and resources that impact and influence how and where they plan their group business.
For 20+ years, the MEET family of products have provided regional and national resources that have kept corporate, association, medical, education, independent, and religious meeting and event planners informed about relevant vendors, industry news, tech innovations, and resources that impact and influence how and where they plan their group business.
