Independence pushing for action on old Kmart building

The Independence City Council will consider legal action to wrest the former Kmart building at Noland Road and Interstate 70 from its current owner for possible redevelopment.

The blighted property at 4023 S. Noland Road has been vacant since Kmart and adjacent Payless closed a few years ago, and officials say the owner, a real estate holding company based in Austin, Texas, has been non-responsive. Sunflower Development Group, the city and the Independence Economic Development Council all have tried to contact the owner without success.

Gerry Winship, executive director of the Noland Road Community Improvement District, says an ownership change would help the whole surrounding area, as the Kmart building owner also owns the road from Noland leading to the nearly complete Andy’s Frozen Custard building.

For the full article go to The Examiner.