Lenexa's New City Center Project Realizes Community's Vision For A Gathering Place

By Steve Kraske,

Published September 20, 2017 at 5:15 PM CDT

Lenexa's new Public Market includes 11,000 square feet of space for a variety of vendors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a demonstration kitchen and food hall, where 'Up To Date' spoke with community leaders and local entrepreneurs.

In a live broadcast from the Public Market in Lenexa's new City Center, we talk with officials about the 20-year odyssey to make real their community's vision for a new town square. Also, the vendors behind Frannie Franks Coffee Cakes and Red Kitchen Tamales share their start-up stories and explain why they've set up shop in the new development. Then, we get the inside scoop from one city employee, who fills us in on the pros and cons of working in a brand new City Hall.

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Steve Kraske

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.

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Danie Alexander

As senior producer of Up To Date, I want our listeners to hear familiar and new voices that shine light on the issues and challenges facing the myriad communities KCUR serves, and to expose our audiences to the wonderful and the creative in the Kansas City area. Just as important to me is an obligation to mentor the next generation of producers to ensure that the important conversations continue. Reach me at alexanderdk@kcur.org.

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