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City of Atlanta, Texas Partnership
Many of the doors lining the streets of Downtown Olathe lead to law offices, while others lead to empty storefronts.
As the city works on its Elevate Olathe comprehensive plan, a consulting firm will work on bringing downtown back to life.
I talked to a local business owner who told me that is something he’s been waiting to see happen for a long time.
When Douglas Flick was deciding where to bring his business, Park Street Pastry, he chose downtown Olathe under the impression that it was coming to life.
Downtown Olathe wants to turn empty doors into restaurants and retail stores
KSHB NBC News
September 10, 2024
That was six years ago. Now, the city wants to attract more retail and restaurants to the area. When Flick heard about these plans, he wasn’t surprised. “The first thought that comes to my mind is, I encourage that, although I haven’t seen much action on that,” Flick said.
Olathe hired Alabama-based consulting firm Retail Strategies to help form the future downtown. I talked Jenn Gregory, President of Downtown Strategies, about the five-year plan they’re working on.
“As soon as that plan is delivered, we will really lock arms with city officials and focus on what we call an implementation jumpstart,” Gregory told me.
The city paid nearly $50,000 for the partnership. A worthwhile investment, according to Olathe spokesperson Cody Kennedy.
“Anything that we can do to maybe change the face of downtown and bring more people, make it more of a community gathering space, we’re certainly interested in doing that.”
Cody Kennedy, city of Olathe
Kennedy says downtown Olathe hosted nearly 100 events over the summer, but Flick says that traffic isn’t bringing in business.
“I’d like to see more activity down here, I’d like to see more businesses down here, I’d like to see more daytime hour business down here. There’s just not enough of it,” said Flick.
All these voices have one thing in common: They want to breathe new life into Downtown Olathe.
The city is hosting a comprehensive plan kickoff event on Sept. 18 where they want to hear your ideas for Olathe’s future.
About Retail Strategies
Retail Strategies is the national expert in community development and retail economic development. Our mission is to provide the real estate expertise, tools, and human effort that position deserving towns as alluring locations for national businesses and destinations for tourism and quality-of-life amenities. We confidently pursue this mission by delivering unparalleled customer service as a unified team with unmatched real estate and community development expertise. Our activities pay a return in sales taxes, added jobs, and businesses that enhance and add to the unique qualities of your community.
