The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) is studying the Kmart property at Vivion and North Antioch.
RideKC Development Corp. has begun dialogue with stakeholders like Northland Neighborhoods Inc. about possible steps for the 16.4 acres southeast of Vivion and Antioch roads. The 113,600-square-foot Kmart store closed in 2014.
KCATA spent $4.45 million to purchase the property this spring and tentatively plans to use its RideKC Development organization to pursue transit-oriented development proposals from builders this fall. The organization is looking to advance several Northland goals, including new transportation routes and land use that links housing, jobs and better access to health care and education.
Initial concepts include a four-story multifamily development, either a 160-unit building or two 150-unit buildings. Other uses could include workforce training offices, a relocation of KCATA’s nearby Antioch Crossing park-and-ride facility, a day care with a playground and other public spaces.
Two earlier attempts to renovate the property fell through for multiple reasons, in 2015 and 2017.