Building 10 has been selected as the site for Historic Northeast Public Market. Plans include vendor spaces for unique eateries and retail experiences. | Photo by Dorri Partain

Dorri Partain

Managing Editor

The long, storied saga of redevelopment at the former Hardesty Federal Complex is about to enter a new chapter as work begins next month to transform this complex’s Building 10 into a mixed-use public space featuring unique eateries, shopping and entertainment.

Historic Northeast Public Market is one component of a larger redevelopment project involving apartments and other amenities on a 22-acre site at the intersections of Independence and Hardesty Avenues. While Arnold Development Group is focusing on its Historic Northeast Lofts project at 5401 Independence Ave., a partnership with Nomad Develops will oversee vendor recruitment, development and management of the Public Market concept.

Carmen Chopp, chief executive officer and broker with Nomad Develops — along with cofounder Bobby Keys — initially developed and managed Lenexa Public Market (8750 Penrose Lane). Lenexa’s market opened in 2017 and features nine vendor stalls offering food and drinks; this site also offers community events with live music, children’s activities and food trucks.

In a press release, Chopp outlines the difference between “food halls” and public markets, stating, ”Public markets are about more than food. They are about people — about creating places where businesses can grow, where neighbors can connect and where culture comes to life. Kansas City is a city of makers and entrepreneurs, and we want this (Northeast) market to be a launchpad for small businesses that reflect the heart and soul of this community.”

During a media tour on Thursday, June 12 — a deep look at this complex’s “before” —  Building 10 showcased its history as a former space for the General Services Administration (GSA). Vacant since 2000, the building has been vandalized and stripped of mechanicals and is shrouded in layers of vegetation.

By fall 2027, transformation of this 29,500 square-foot building will create 18 food and retail spaces, a commercial kitchen and spaces indoor and out for public gathering. Both Danny Roberson, director of development for Arnold Development Group and Chopp emphasize that this public market is designed to be affordable, accessible and prioritize smaller, local businesses over corporate business chains. 

This projected timeline ensures that Historic Northeast Public Market will be completed and serve as an amenity for tenants when Historic Northeast Lofts begins leasing upon projected completion in 2028.

Roberson stated that while the plan for the outlying buildings (601-607 Hardesty Ave.) has “changed about five times,” plans for adjacent Building 9 include a public gym space and daycare and Building 11 may offer co-working spaces. Construction work to build out those spaces will coincide with work on Building 10.

Vendor spaces are designed to attract chefs, bakers and artisans with a variety of stall sizes — from 250 to 1000 square feet with basic amenities for food prep included.

“We’re looking to create the right mix of what people want,” said Chopp. “You have to have pizza, burgers — foods for kids and families. A bakery, coffee shop, but also a diverse mix of flavors that reflect the cultures of Northeast and dynamic options that bring people back for a new experience.”

Chopp said that vendors will have the option to obtain a liquor license for alcohol served with food but no spaces will allow an over-21 bar atmosphere.

Under the management of Nomad Develops, Historic Northeast Public Market will offer patrons and vendors programming that includes community events, seasonal markets and festivals, cooking demonstrations,  classes and vendor showcases, indoors and out.

According to Northeast News archives the concept for this public market is similar to a previous redevelopment plan envisioned by Asian Americans for Equity (AAFE) — an organization, which purchased the complex from GSA in 2011. AAFE proposed a plan to create a food hub where fresh produce could be stored, transferred and more accessible at the complex’s Building 11. Remediation of hazardous materials began in 2013 to resolve issues of contamination from fuel tanks on-site and the use of trichloroethylene to treat military uniforms.

While remediation continued for several years, further development stalled until Arnold Development Group announced plans for Historic Northeast Lofts on March 27, 2023. Funding for redevelopment is supported by $7.575 million through Kansas City’s Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund.

“We’re ready,” said Roberson on June 12 in reference to approval of the building permits. “We’re at the precipice to begin.”

Historic Northeast Public Market is slated to open in mid-2027. Hours of operation will be from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week. For more information about business opportunities, visit: https://hnemkc.com/be-a-vendor.

For previous Northeast News coverage of this development visit: