Planning Commission OKs special-use permit for private club at former Gaslight Grill

The Leawood Planning Commission on April 22 unanimously recommended approval of Case 39-25, allowing AFE Private Wealth to repurpose the former Gaslight Grill building at 5020 W. 130th St. for combined private wealth management offices and a members-only private club.

Planner Cameron Ewing told commissioners that the applicant seeks approval of a special-use permit, preliminary plan and final plan and that staff "recommends approval of case 39-25 with the 12 stipulations listed in the staff report." Staff said the applicant is not proposing exterior changes at this time and that the special-use permit would be limited to a 20-year term if the governing body approves it.

Applicant representatives described the private club as an amenity-focused, membership-based space tied to the wealth management business. Ryan Anderson, owner, said the club will offer boardrooms, a cafe-like area, card and board-game rooms and recreational amenities including a golf simulator. "I wanted to provide a place where if you don't golf or you're not part of a country club, you've got a place to go have kind of, you know, executive boardroom ... or a cafe," Anderson said.

Commissioners questioned hours, security and food and drink operations. Anderson and the project team said membership would use key-card access and the building would not be staffed 24 hours a day even though members could access it at all hours. On security, Anderson said the project team plans to install "facial recognition, key card access, cameras. I'm big on that." The owner said the membership agreement would limit guests and that there is no overall age restriction for members.

City legal counsel Marcy Knight said the club's proposed model — members bringing their own alcohol and occasional catered events rather than an on-site, fully licensed bar open to the public — likely would not require an alcohol license from the state "ABC" if no alcoholic sales were made, but caterers would need proper city permits.

Staff and the applicant clarified a stipulation requiring exterior maintenance work to address deteriorating stone, wood rot and rusted trash-enclosure doors; staff said that work would be required prior to issuance of a final certificate of occupancy. Planning staff also said they would contact the police department and include any comments from law enforcement in the report to the governing body, should the commission forward a recommendation.

Commissioner Hoyt moved for approval; Commissioner McGurn seconded. The chair announced the motion carried unanimously and that the case will move to the governing body for final action.

The recommendation includes the staff-condition framework and the 12 stipulations listed in the staff report; the governing body will consider the special-use permit and term limit before issuing any building or occupancy permits.