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Leawood approves Fire Station 1 and park plan despite pleas to preserve Old City Hall
Summary
The Leawood Governing Body adopted a preliminary development plan for Fire Station 1 and a park at 96th and Lee on June 15, approving renovations to the old fire station and a park that, as drawn, removes the old city hall building. The decision followed months of public comment and a heated council debate over preservation and funding. The ordinance passed 7–0; final plan or revisions must return within two years.
Leawood’s governing body voted 7–0 on June 15 to adopt an ordinance approving a revised preliminary development plan for a new Fire Station 1 and an accompanying park at 96th Street and Lee Boulevard.
The plan calls for a new one-story fire station, a renovated old fire station repurposed as rentable community space with restrooms and a pass-through kitchenette, an ornamental garden fronting Lee Boulevard, a playground, walking trail and associated site work. The preliminary plan, as presented and approved, shows removal of the existing Old City Hall building with park space replacing its footprint.
Why it matters: North Leawood residents and historic preservation advocates urged the council to pause the project or pursue fundraising to save Old City Hall. Speakers at the meeting said the structure is beloved and that the council previously promised protections. Mayor Mark Elkins and multiple councillors said the plan responds to long-running requests for neighborhood gathering space and safety improvements and that the remodeled fire station and amenities will serve the community.
What the council heard: Several residents asked for additional time or alternative concepts. Jacqueline Penn asked the council to pause action on Old City Hall until funding is secured. Deborah Filla and others urged community fundraising and adaptive reuse rather than demolition. Ward 1 Councilmember Matt Peppas (read into the record) said he supports the master plan as a pragmatic way to create public amenity and reuse the old fire station as community space rather than preserving every old structure.
Council debate and procedural notes: Council members repeatedly emphasized this was a preliminary plan; a final development plan and any construction would require separate approvals. Staff clarified that approval starts a two-year clock for a final plan to be presented; if residents can marshal a viable proposal to retain Old City Hall, the council and planning commission would review a revised preliminary plan. Cost estimates presented to council rose from earlier figures after staff revised scope and included elements such as the high-intensity HAWK pedestrian signal.
Next steps: Staff said the city has not yet funded the project and that the governing body or staff would discuss funding options in the capital improvement program. The council’s approval lets the city move this master plan forward while preserving the option for a revised preliminary/final plan to be considered within the statutory two-year period.
Quote: “This plan creates a usable public space for families, children, and residents of all ages,” a Ward 1 councilmember wrote and asked to be read into the record, urging careful attention to pedestrian safety and access.
Outcome and immediate effect: The ordinance adopting the revised preliminary development plan was approved by roll call 7–0; no demolition or construction will occur until a final development plan is approved and funding is secured.
