North Kansas City council approves One North development agreement for Fresh Market, targets 2027 opening

The City of North Kansas City on Monday approved a development and purchase agreement with One North Development LLC that clears the way for a full-service Fresh Market grocery in the One North district, with developers saying they aim to open in 2027.

A One North Development representative presented the proposal to the council, saying the project sits on about 6.84 acres in Area 3 of the One North district and would include roughly 252 parking spaces, four curb cuts and room for future retail expansion. "This is our plan development is here for the Fresh Market downtown," the representative said, describing a store with seafood and meat counters, deli, bakery, floral, a wine/beer/liquor selection, quick-serve food and an attached restaurant and café.

The presentation identified the development team as architect Kathy Warman; EPC Real Estate Group (CEO Mike McKean) and Joe Morrison; builder Fogle Anderson Construction Company; legal counsel Stinson LLP; and Fresh Market operator Eddie Muslette. The presenter estimated about $20 million in annual revenue from the grocery, about 100 new jobs and roughly $4.5 million in total annual compensation tied to store operations.

Council members asked several logistical questions. A councilmember asked whether the floor plan could be modified; the developer said Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) produced the interior layout for a roughly 50,000-square-foot store and that any adjustments would need AWG input. When asked about timing, the developer said, "The goal is to be open in 2027," and added the team has begun background work in anticipation of council approval.

Council discussion emphasized the project's place in local planning. The council chair praised the development team and noted the project aligns with the One North plan adopted in 2016; the presenter warned that previously approved development incentives will expire unless the city executes agreements now, which could require a new approval process and risk losing funds.

On the council floor, members moved the ordinance (Bill 7,987) through first reading and then took a second and final reading. A motion to approve the development and sale agreement as Ordinance 9784 passed on a roll-call vote: Councilmembers Saper, Bailey, McGrown, Kaine, Alvarez, Wells, Larson and Click all voted yes; one member had been recorded absent earlier in the meeting. The ordinance’s adoption was announced by the clerk.

The agreement approved by the council authorizes the city to proceed with the real estate sale and the development agreement tied to the Fresh Market project; the ordinance number and bill number were read into the record during the meeting. With no further business, the council adjourned following the vote.

Next steps: the developer said it will continue preparatory work and return as needed to complete permitting, financing and implementation; the council did not set additional public hearings during the meeting on the development agreement.