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Downtown Overland Park Partnership reports more events, new businesses and plans for Clock Tower Landing closures
Summary
Downtown Overland Park Partnership reported 12 new businesses in 2024, steady BID income, growth in event visitors and social followers, and preparatory outreach for the Clock Tower Landing construction planned to start around March 17.
Angie Meade, executive director of the Downtown Overland Park Partnership, presented the organization’s 2024 annual report to an Overland Park advisory committee, highlighting business openings, event attendance and preparations for a construction project in the downtown Clock Tower area.
Meade said the district added 12 new businesses in 2024 and recorded five closures (three relocations, one retirement and one with an unspecified reason), leaving about 260 active businesses in the district. The organization also counted roughly 32,000 additional visitors attributable to events and programs and said its Instagram account grew to just over 11,000 followers.
Meade credited a broader volunteer base, new event programming and partnerships for the gains. She said the district rolled out Margarita Wars as a new large event, continued Brewfest and Harvesting Hope partnerships, and worked with Parks and Recreation on summer concerts and the fall festival. The Downtown Overland Park Partnership also hosted a Technical Assistance Panel (TAP) with the Urban Land Institute and city staff to study downtown opportunities.
On the imminent Clock Tower Landing construction, city staff told the committee that updated conceptual images will be posted on the city website and that temporary parking closures and other impacts are tentatively scheduled to begin around March 17; staff cautioned the date could shift and said they will keep businesses informed.
Meade said the partnership applied for a city grant and reported increased program income from events and sponsorships, which has improved the organization’s budget stability. The partnership also consolidated online listings for available retail and event spaces in the district.
Why it matters: Downtown programming, events and construction timing affect small businesses, visitor patterns and parking availability near the Clock Tower Landing project. Meade urged residents to support local businesses as the district prepares for construction.
What happens next: The partnership will continue event planning for 2025, share construction renderings on the city site, and coordinate with businesses on parking and closures during the Clock Tower Landing project.
