Nikki Lansford Dec 13, 2022 - Overland Park
Historic Overland Park church step closer to becoming hotel
The Overland Park Planning Commission on Monday approved final development plans to convert the historic Presbyterian Church in downtown Overland Park into a boutique hotel. Photo credit Nikki Lansford.
Developers cleared a major hurdle in their plans to convert the historic Overland Park Presbyterian Church downtown into a boutique hotel.
The latest: A final development plan was approved by the Overland Park Planning Commission on Monday to make the vacant building at 8029 Overland Park Drive into a four-story, 30-room boutique hotel.
Details: In addition to remodeling the 1929 building, Kansas City-based architecture firm SixTwentyOne and Edison District developer Tim Barton are also looking to make several other improvements to the existing property.
This includes widening sidewalks along Overland Park Drive and 81st Street and adding an exterior patio space to the northeast corner of the site.
The developer plans to save a number of large trees in front of the former church as well, while also updating the property's current landscaping.
Key quote: During public comment at Monday's meeting, Overland Park Historical Society Executive Director Brad Moore said, "We are thrilled to know this historic building is going to outlive all of us in this room. I think the concept of the boutique hotel is one we need in downtown Overland Park."
Overland Park Presbyterian Church in downtown Overland Park. Photo credit Nikki Lansford.
The vote: The commission voted 9-1 to approve the redevelopment plan for the church, with several commissioners noting they found the hotel to be a good reuse of the existing building.
Commissioner Rob Krewson, the lone "no" vote, said he liked the project but was worried about a portion of the sidewalk along Overland Park Drive that would not be widened in order to keep some of the property's existing trees.
"Given the location, I think there is a pedestrian constraint that isn't being accommodated," Krewson said. "I do think it would be important… to widen that piece of sidewalk."
What's next for hotel plan
In order for construction to begin, the final development plan must be approvec by the Overland Park City Council.
The item is scheduled to come before the council at its Jan. 9 meeting.
Hi! I'm Nikki, and I cover the city of Overland Park and the Blue Valley School District.
I grew up in southern Overland Park and graduated from Olathe East before going on to earn a degree in journalism from the University of Missouri. At Mizzou, I worked as a reporter and editor at the Columbia Missourian. Prior to joining the Post, I had also done work for the Northeast News, PolitiFact Missouri and Kaiser Health News.
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