Developer Plans ‘Village Square’ for Growing Crossroads Population

By Kevin Collison

Developer Vince Bryant is converting the half-block on the east side of Walnut from 19th to 20th streets into what he calls the ‘Village Square’ for the growing Crossroads residential population.

“This area is surrounded by new residences, REVERB, Artistry (KC) and City Club Apartments,” Bryant said.

“This is in the center of all that density and this is a great block to think about what’s missing.”

His $12 million plan includes renovating the buildings that bookend the half-block at 100 E. 20th St. and 1905 Walnut, relocating and expanding the new Citydogs that will include a 17,000 square-foot dog park, and adding office space and retail.

“The area now is basically an asphalt lot with a couple buildings,” Bryant said. “It will become a landscaped area with trees where people can socialize around dogs.

“I felt with City Club Apartments on the west side, this half block on the east side allows us to expand development all the way to Corrigan Station.”

Village Square will transform the half block east of Walnut between 19th and 20th streets into a more green, vibrant hub for the neighborhood. (Rendering from 3D Development)

First up will be renovating the 20,000 square-foot building at 100 E. 20th St.

Bryant, who’s firm is 3D Development, already has lined up an office tenant for about half the 4,600 square-feet of space allotted, and has plans for one of the two boutique retail spaces.

It calls for a coffee, wine and beer bar at the corner of 20th and Walnut that also will serve ice cream.

The planned café will include a 600 square-foot porch open to the street and 2,500 square-feet of interior space.

As for Citydogs, the new business already is open in temporary space across 20th Street at 2001 Walnut. Bryant said the relocation to his new project will probably occur late spring or early summer next year.

Citydogs will occupy 9,000 square feet in the building. In addition to its current services, Bryant said the new location will offer dog treats, including a twist on ice cream, and specialty items from Mixed Mutt Creamery.

The building at 100 E. 20th originally was an Anheuser Busch distribution facility, but was later remodeled with a glass facade. (Photo form Google Maps)

The expanded dog park also includes four, outdoor grill kitchens.The outdoor kitchens will include a refrigerator, television and wood-burning fireplace.

People reserving a kitchen could have food and drinks delivered from the market Bryant is planning for his nearby Grand Place project, the renovation of the historic Kansas City Star building. And if they want help, a grill master and/or bartender would be available.

The other, 8,000 square-foot building at 1905 Walnut currently houses Bearing Distributors, Inc. and its lease expires next year. Bryant already is seeking tenants for the space, which features a wooden barrel ceiling.

The properties were used historically by Anheuser Busch as a beer distribution center. and  a rail spur transported product to the location.

The current buildings were constructed in the 1950s although A-B’s history there goes back more than 100 years, Bryant said.