A new hardware store, auto parts store or other retailers that Eudora doesn’t now have are among the options that city officials are exploring for Nottingham Center, Mayor Tim Reazin said.
The city is also working to possibly bring in a restaurant-style brewery.
City officials recently provided an update on the progress of the Nottingham Center and the ideas that the city is considering.
Trying to attract businesses to the Nottingham development is complicated right now due to high building costs and interest rates, and some retailers seem to be waiting on each other or more residential options to make the first move on purchasing space, Reazin said.
The goal for the Nottingham Center is to diversify the city’s tax base by keeping residents in town to shop rather than having to go to other cities, Reazin said.
The city is still working to determine what they want to go into the development because they want it to be a walkable destination with a variety of options rather than quickly filling it up with fast food places, Reazin said. The city is still weighing options for an anchor retailer for the Nottingham Center.
The city has spent over $850,000 on the project and, as lots sell, it gives the city more opportunities to expand the amenities for the area, Reazin said.
The city wants to select options that serve the community while keeping the hometown feel, Reazin said. They are listening to the desires of residents and what they want to see in town, he said.
In the meantime, Eudora will soon have a new green space for community activities in the Nottingham development.
The first phase of the project is complete, with a green space, accessible parking, bike racks, lighting and landscaping.
Eventually, the city plans on continuing to expand the project as more pad sites are filled in the Nottingham Center.
The lawn will be a place for movies, outdoor concerts and food trucks. Plans for a farmers market gazebo space and an outdoor dining option are also on the list, but timing is all dependent on the neighboring lots filling up.
As more pad sites at the Nottingham development sell, that will set the other phases of Village Green into motion, City Manager Kevyn Gero said.
The project will tie in with the city’s desire to create more connectivity from the STAR bond district and Nottingham, and with the RAISE grant helping connect both sides of K-10, Reazin said. The space sits right next to the Community Center, and will connect and expand possibilities for the Parks and Rec Department.
“Our vision is that Nottingham was a spot where you could show up and you can stay there and walk and if we had pickleball tournaments or anything with Parks and Rec, it would just give them an opportunity for space,” Reazin said.
A ribbon cutting will officially kick off Village Green’s opening on Sept. 16. Barbwire Barbecue and the Corn Dog Co. food trucks will be at the event at 6 p.m. Facepainting will also be available.
The ribbon cutting will be at 6:30 p.m. and live music by The Zeros KC, an ‘80s cover band, will follow at 7 p.m.
Reach reporter Sara Maloney at [email protected].
