What's Happening?
The Independence Planning Commission has voted to approve the rezoning of a former JCPenney site at Bolger Square from residential back to commercial use, paving the way for a proposed Dillons grocery store. This 120,000-square-foot building, located
at 17610 E. Bolger Road, has been vacant since JCPenney closed the location during its 2020 bankruptcy proceedings. Phillips Edison & Company is seeking to purchase the 10-acre parcel and convert it into a Dillons. The proposed store would include a drive-through pharmacy and seven vehicle fueling stations. This development marks a significant step in Dillons' re-entry and expansion into the Kansas City metro area, from which it exited in 2008. The Independence City Council is expected to vote on the site plans in the coming weeks, with construction potentially beginning thereafter.
Why It's Important?
This proposed Dillons store is important for several reasons. Firstly, it addresses the issue of a long-vacant commercial property, potentially revitalizing the Bolger Square area and contributing to local economic activity. The return of Dillons, a subsidiary of Kroger, to the Kansas City metro signifies a shift in the regional grocery market landscape, increasing competition and offering more choices for consumers. For Independence residents, particularly those near Bolger Square, a new full-service grocery store could improve food access and convenience. The inclusion of a drive-through pharmacy and fueling stations adds further utility. However, the development also raises concerns among some residents regarding potential impacts on traffic flow, as noted by Angie Lotz, a local resident. This project is part of a broader expansion by Dillons, which is actively establishing new locations across the Kansas City area, including a flagship store in Olathe, Kansas, and another proposed store in the Northland.
What's Next?
The next critical step for the Dillons project at Bolger Square is the Independence City Council's vote on the site plans, which is anticipated in the coming weeks. If approved, Phillips Edison & Company plans to conduct a structural integrity evaluation of the existing building, apply a new paint job, and redesign the loading dock. Construction would then commence, transforming the vacant JCPenney into a modern grocery facility. The broader implications include Dillons' continued expansion in the Kansas City metro, with other proposed stores also moving through the planning stages. This could lead to increased competition among grocery chains like Walmart, Price Chopper, and Hy-Vee, which currently dominate the market. The project also highlights a trend of commercial turnover in Independence's retail corridors, with other developments such as Price Chopper's planned relocation to Noland Fashion Square by 2027 or 2028.
Beyond the Headlines
The transformation of the vacant JCPenney store into a Dillons grocery store reflects a broader national trend of repurposing large, empty retail spaces left behind by struggling department stores. This adaptive reuse of commercial real estate is crucial for urban and suburban revitalization, preventing blight and fostering new economic activity. The decision to rezone the site back to commercial use, after a previous attempt to develop it residentially failed, underscores the dynamic nature of urban planning and the constant negotiation between different development priorities. The re-establishment of Dillons in the Kansas City market, after an absence, also speaks to the evolving strategies of large supermarket chains to capture market share and adapt to changing consumer demands. This move could also influence local employment opportunities and the overall retail ecosystem in Independence, potentially drawing more shoppers to the Bolger Square area and impacting smaller, independent businesses.
