Development Brings Educational Component to Mixed-Use Project

New mixed-use Prairiefire development in Overland Park, Kansas, combines a museum with retail, entertainment, and housing space to respond to strong demographics in an increasingly-competitive environment.

1 minute read

September 9, 2015, 10:00 AM PDT

By lwnagel


As densities increase and retail trends continue to evolve, developers are searching for new ways to provide valuable space for increasingly-innovative tenants and consumers. Developer Merrill Companies identified solid demographics in suburban Overland Park, Kansas, and responded with an entrepreneurial spirit.

The new Prairiefire mixed-use center leverages the region's rich paleontological history by partnering with the American Museum of Natural History. Guests can explore the museum's exhibits—many focused on dinosaurs—before visiting Prairiefire's retail and restaurant offerings. Destinations include REI, Fresh Market, and a number of entertainment concepts such as bocce & bowling bistro Pinstripes, restaurant-theater Cinetopia, and music-themed beer garden Rock & Brew. Prairiefire offers several housing options including both multifamily and single unit housing. "The Threshing Bee," a fashion incubator, rounds out the center's attractions.

The property is performing well and demonstrates that including educational space and other innovative tenants alongside more typical mixed-use offerings has the potential to increase project success.

Tuesday, September 8, 2015 in ULI Urban Land Magazine

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Close-up on Canadian flag with Canada Parliament building blurred in background.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?

As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

April 28, 2025 - Benjamin Schneider

Washington

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing

A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

30 minutes ago - Streetsblog USA

Bluebird sitting on branch of green bush.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire

Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

1 hour ago - AP News

1984 Olympics

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles

LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.

2 hours ago - Newsweek

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.