5.15.2006
Officials start clearing the way for The Gateway
MISSION, Kan. — Today marked the first step in building a new landmark in the city of Mission called The Gateway, a mixed-use development planned for the East corridor of Johnson Drive. City officials and local business leaders began the first phase of demolition of Mission Center Mall today at a wrecking ceremony at the mall.

“The Gateway adds an urban lifestyle in the heart of Mission,” said Mayor Laura McConwell, mayor of Mission. “We are embarking on a new look for our city and The Gateway will serve as the cornerstone of Mission’s East corridor.” The mixed-use development is estimated to be completed in two years. The Gateway will feature 1.3 million square feet of residential, retail, office, entertainment and hotel space.

“The goal is for The Gateway to serve as a sanctuary for people to live, play, work and shop all in one, beautiful and functional setting,” said Tom Valenti, principal of Cameron Group, LLC, and co-founder of The Gateway Developers, LLC, a joint ownership operation of The Gateway property and project with GFI Capital Resources Group, a real estate and financial services firm. “By building The Gateway in Mission, we’re catering to the increasing population of Baby Boomers and young professionals who favor the conveniences of an urban lifestyle provided by a mixed-use development.”

Demolition of the existing structure will take approximately four months, beginning with internal demolition this week. “The crew will use specialized machinery to demolish the existing structure,” said John Martin, president and chief executive officer of Walton Construction, the construction firm selected for the project. “The $380 million project will employ about 2,000 construction workers.”

Other local companies involved with the project include Prudential Kansas City Realty; Zimmer Real Estate Services, L.C.; Slaggie Architects, Inc.; Ollson Associates Consulting and Muller + Company. The Gateway is the first and only mixed-use development in Northeast Johnson County. Located at the corner of Roe Avenue and Johnson Drive in Mission, Kan., The Gateway offers Kansas Citians a first-rate suburban residential real estate development that will feature condominiums and row houses along with a collection of outdoor green spaces, entertainment venues, restaurants, fashion retailers, boutiques, hotel and office space. For more information, call (913) 236-LIFE (5433) or visit www.thegatewaylife.com