A Bright Future for Lee’s Summit: How the Downtown Market Plaza Will Benefit Local Businesses

Lee’s Summit is entering a new chapter with the construction of the Downtown Market Plaza, a multi-million-dollar project that promises to bring vibrancy, economic growth, and community engagement to the heart of our city. Since breaking ground earlier this year, this ambitious project will feature a permanent, year-round farmer's market, an outdoor performance area, streetscape walkways, and much more. As we move forward with these exciting developments, local businesses, including those at Bridge Space, stand to gain in countless ways.

But what does this mean for your business, and why is it so important to embrace these changes? Let’s break it down.

What Does This Mean for Lee’s Summit?

The new Downtown Market Plaza is more than just a place for vendors and performances; it’s a revitalization of Lee’s Summit as a destination for both locals and visitors. Key elements of the project include:

• A permanent farmer’s market with indoor/outdoor capabilities, allowing for year-round events.
• An outdoor performance space with synthetic turf, overhead canopies, and a movable stage for community concerts, art exhibits, and more.
• Mixed-use commercial spaces featuring restaurants, boutique hotels, and 200 new apartment units ​(Downtown Lee's Summit)​(LANE4).

With such developments, the city is poised to attract more visitors, both first-timers and repeat guests, creating more foot traffic that will undoubtedly benefit businesses. Increased activity in downtown Lee’s Summit means more potential customers for your shop, café, or service-based business.

Is My Business Going to See an Increase in Sales?

Yes! Increased traffic to downtown Lee’s Summit means that businesses located nearby will likely see an increase in both foot traffic and sales. The farmer's market, which will transition from a temporary setup in a parking lot to a permanent, year-round structure, will host events, drawing locals and visitors into the heart of the city. As people flock to these new attractions, they’ll be more inclined to explore nearby shops, dine at local restaurants, and engage with businesses like yours​ (LANE4)​(KCtoday).

The addition of a boutique hotel also suggests that out-of-town visitors will be staying longer and exploring more. In particular, events hosted at the outdoor performance space—like live music or seasonal festivals—are expected to bring in a steady stream of patrons. And with 200 urban apartment units being added to the mix, the area will house more residents, bringing even more potential customers to your door.

Why It’s Important to Embrace These Changes for Your Business



With a project of this magnitude, the local economy is poised to grow alongside the new development. For businesses, now is the time to prepare and position yourselves to capitalize on the influx of visitors and new residents. Being adaptable and proactive, such as participating in local events or collaborating with city planners, could give your business a competitive edge.

If your business is new to downtown or you’re considering opening a location here, now is the perfect opportunity to establish roots. As the Downtown Market Plaza becomes a central hub for activity, those businesses that integrate early on will have a distinct advantage in establishing brand recognition with both locals and tourists.

How Can My Business Get Involved in This Expansion?

Your business can get involved in multiple ways:

• Join community events: With an event space that will host concerts, art exhibits, and fitness classes, there are numerous opportunities for businesses to sponsor events or even hold their own within the space.
• Partner with the farmer’s market: If your business offers locally sourced goods, handmade products, or anything that aligns with the farmer’s market vibe, consider setting up a stall or collaborating with the market.
• Collaborate with local hotels or housing developers: As the boutique hotel and apartments take shape, businesses can forge relationships to offer exclusive deals to new residents or hotel guests.

At Bridge Space, we’re here to help businesses make the most of this expansion. Whether you're looking for a new office to operate from or a meeting space to plan your involvement, our community-focused environment is designed to help you grow alongside the city’s exciting changes.

What This Means for Downtown Lee’s Summit Property Values

As more people move to or spend time in Lee’s Summit, the value of local properties is likely to rise. Urban apartments and boutique hotels, as part of the Market Plaza, will attract residents who want to be at the center of the action. For property owners, this means increased demand and potential appreciation in property value. While we can’t predict real estate trends with certainty, it’s clear that investments in infrastructure and public amenities generally enhance the attractiveness of surrounding areas ​(KCtoday)​(LANE4).

A Growing Community for Bridge Space Members

The Downtown Market Plaza represents an incredible opportunity not just for Lee’s Summit businesses but for entrepreneurs, remote workers, and freelancers looking for a community that is actively evolving. Bridge Space members have the advantage of being part of a dynamic and growing downtown. As more people move to the area or spend extended time in the city, the need for coworking and flexible office spaces will increase.

By renting office space at Bridge Space, you position yourself in the heart of this growth. You’ll be surrounded by a thriving community of business owners and entrepreneurs, all benefiting from the increased activity in Lee’s Summit.

Time to Take Advantage of Growth!

As we approach the groundbreaking of the Downtown Market Plaza, it’s an exciting time to be part of the Lee’s Summit community. The new developments will breathe fresh life into our downtown area, bringing with them increased sales opportunities, a broader customer base, and an overall uplift in the local economy.

At Bridge Space, we’re thrilled to be part of this journey, and we invite businesses to take full advantage of what’s to come. Let’s embrace this new chapter together, grow alongside the city, and continue to make Lee’s Summit an amazing place to live, work, and thrive​(Downtown Lee's Summit)

Discover the potential for growth and success in the heart of Lee’s Summit! Schedule a tour of Bridge Space today and see how these exciting new developments can enhance your business's value and visibility for years to come.