Retail thrust begins at Union Hill – The Kansas City Business Journal

By: Rob Roberts, Kansas City Business Journal

Developer Bob Frye has turned Union Hill into a teeming residential area, adding more than 500 apartment units to the historic Kansas City neighborhood.

Now, he’s focusing on the area’s retail occupancy.

CBRE Inc. has been named leasing agent for 55,000 square feet of new and existing retail space available at Union Hill. The retail spaces include freestanding locations, ground-floor space in two new brick loft buildings, and second-floor and rooftop spaces.

Union Hill currently is home to a Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott and more than 20 other businesses, including dining and retail destinations.

“It is exciting to market this project and bring additional great amenities to this area of town and to the new and existing residents of Union Hill,” said Lindy Meyer, a retail broker with CBRE’s Kansas City office.

Overlooking Crown Center, Union Hill is located near several major employment centers, including Hallmark Cards Inc., Union Station, Hospital Hill and the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.

Covering 16 blocks between 27th Street, 31st Street, Main Street and Gillham Road, Union Hill has benefited from nearly $200 million in investment since its redevelopment began 30 years ago. Established in 1867, it is one of Kansas City’s oldest neighborhoods.