Signs of construction increasing around the ballpark: ‘We’re rolling right now’
Technically speaking, construction around Equity Bank Park began early this year with the first phase of utility work and site preparation.
Shortly, though, there will be more visible signs of the commercial development yet to come.
“We’re rolling right now,” said Austin Bradley, vice president of development for Overland Park-based EPC Real Estate Group.
He said there still is a lot of utility relocation happening, but then “once that’s done, it’s going to roll right into earthwork.”
The firm is finishing up permitting, too.
“Honestly it’s a little boring right now,” Bradley said.
However, some of that more unglamorous work is “largely behind us, so things will be picking up.”
“All that’s coming over the next 60, 90 days more or less.”
The revised more than $100 million development, which was delayed by a change in the partnership group, includes 183 apartments in a building that also has 10,000 square feet of retail space.
The deal also still includes one of the Dream Hotel Group’s concepts, called Unscripted Hotels, which is meant to be a gathering place for the community.
The 158-room hotel will be situated between McLean and the Arkansas River.
There will be a signature restaurant, a coffee bar, a lobby bar and a rooftop lounge with cocktails and light fare.
From there, guests will be able to see into most of the stadium.
There will be a pool, fitness center and conference and event space as well. The development also includes a parking garage that EPC will build, sell to the city and lease back.
Bradley said everything will be built at once, though one part may advance faster than another.
“We’re still working on kind of our final schedule.”
Bradley said that’s likely going to be 18 to 20 months, give or take.
So that means the development should open by late 2026 or early 2027.
“I should be able to dial that in for you very soon.”
In the meantime, he said, “You’re going to see increasing activity over there.”