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New Public Market to Revitalize Kansas City’s Historic Northeast

Conceptual design showcasing the layout of the new Kansas City Public Market.

Nomad Develops

Nomad Develops is a development company led by CEO Carmen Chopp, known for creating community-focused spaces that foster local entrepreneurship and cultural expression. Building on the success of the Lenexa Public Market launched in 2017, the company is currently developing the 29,000-square-foot Kansas City Public Market in Kansas City’s Historic Northeast neighborhood. This project is part of a larger 22-acre development called the Historic Northeast Public Market and Lofts, which includes 395 apartments, many of which are affordable housing options, and community amenities such as public spaces, coworking offices, and a community gym. Fueled by a $7.575 million investment from Kansas City’s Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund, the development aims to revitalize the area, promote economic growth, and create a vibrant hub for residents and visitors alike.

News Summary

A new 29,000-square-foot public market is set to transform Kansas City’s Historic Northeast neighborhood, with community gathering, dining, and cultural expression at its core. Led by Carmen Chopp, the market will feature 13 restaurant stalls, five retail tenants, and event spaces. This project, part of a larger 22-acre development, aims to support local entrepreneurs and address housing shortages by including affordable apartments. The public market plans to foster community engagement and economic growth in a rapidly growing and diverse area.

Kansas City

A new 29,000-square-foot public market is set to transform Kansas City’s Historic Northeast neighborhood, with plans for completion by mid-2027. The market will be strategically located at the intersection of Independence Avenue and Hardesty Street, and aims to become a hub for community gathering, dining, and cultural expression.

This development is led by Carmen Chopp, the CEO of Nomad Develops, who brings her previous experience from the successful Lenexa Public Market, which opened in 2017. The new public market will feature 13 restaurant stalls and five retail tenants, surpassing the Lenexa market’s eight merchants, and will include both event and coworking spaces on its upper level.

The marketplace is designed to cater to a variety of community needs, offering options for coffee, meals, flowers, and hosting evening events such as happy hours and live music. Plans also include cultural events that reflect the neighborhood’s diverse population, which is recognized as rapidly growing and culturally rich.

Supporting Details

The mission for the new public market parallels that of the Lenexa Public Market, focusing on empowering local chefs and small business owners to enhance their business presence in the community. It is projected that the public market will lead to a wave of entrepreneurship and growth, as has been observed in Lenexa where many vendors transitioned to their own brick-and-mortar stores after starting at the market.

This project is part of a larger 22-acre development called the Historic Northeast Public Market and Lofts, spearheaded by Arnold Development Group. In addition to the public market, the development will include a total of 395 apartments, where approximately 83% will be designated as affordable housing. This initiative aims to address the local housing shortage while providing additional amenities to support the community.

Community-focused amenities will also be part of the larger development, including public gathering spaces, a daycare, coworking offices, and a community gym. To enhance sustainability, a 4-megawatt solar system is planned to power the entire development.

Financing for the project includes a significant infusion of $7.575 million from Kansas City’s Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund, which highlights the city’s commitment to revitalizing the historically underserved Northeast area. Chopp notes that the construction and operation of the marketplace and lofts will represent one of the largest investments the city has made in the neighborhood.

Background Context

The Historic Northeast neighborhood is characterized by a rapidly growing international community and has a median household income that is lower than the city average. Through this public market initiative, there is a concerted effort to foster local economic development and improve the quality of life for residents.

As the project advances, the public market is currently seeking local entrepreneurs and small-business owners who are interested in joining the vendor community. This initiative not only aims to boost local businesses but also seeks to create a vibrant public space for the residents of Kansas City’s Historic Northeast.