Contents

6 Framing History

10 Mission's Parks - Good Things are Happening Everywhere

17 Newsletter

24 Bulletin Board

28 History in the Hallways

32 The Lanes At Mission Bowl

36The Powell Community Center's Journey

41 Member Search

WELCOME 2025!

January is the perfect time to reflect on all we have achieved as a city during the past year. The list of accomplishments is long as 2024 was a year full of improvements, progress, and growth. As we look to a new year filled with new opportunities, new challenges and new ideas, we invite you to take a look back with us to celebrate a “year well done.”

Our cover story this issue introduces you to Mission residents Pedro and Carolina Morales, the owners of Quality Framing & Art on Johnson Drive. What began as a “side hustle” in 2016 quickly became a booming business. Like many other small businesses in our community, the Moraleses weathered the challenges of the pandemic, and I enjoyed learning about their determination and hard work. They know and understand the framing projects entrusted to them are cherished mementos for their customers and they approach each new project with a personal touch, creativity, and passion safeguarding these items.

Alongside the achievements of our business community, 2024 saw significant investments in our public assets, including updates to two of Mission’s outdoor parks. Water Works Park, which abuts the grounds of Rushton Elementary School, saw the construction of a new playground, restrooms, a new pavilion and an improved walking trail. The re-opening of Water Works Park was timed to coincide with students returning to the new Rushton. Neighbors on the south end of town also welcomed new park facilities in 2024 with the completion of Phase II of Mohawk Park along Lamar and 67th Street. I encourage you to get out and visit both parks to experience all of the new amenities, features and fun that can be had! Special thanks to the Governing Body and the hard work of our dedicated staff for their vision and making these improvements happen with your support!

In addition to the improvements to Water Works Park, Rushton Elementary School students, staff and families celebrated the completion of their brand-new elementary school just in time for the start of the school year. Our feature story introduces you to some of Rushton’s students, along with fourth grade teacher Yvonne Corpus, who grew up in Mission and attended Rushton herself as a child. The story shares perspectives of what it was like to learn and teach in three separate buildings in the last two years, the resiliency that built amongst the staff and students, and what makes the new building so special. The story also features a kindergarten student and his parents who articulate the immense sense of community that being a Rushton student, and Mission resident, bring. Thank you to Rushton’s dedicated professionals and all of our Mission families who make Rushton sparkle.

This issue also shares highlights of The Lanes at Mission Bowl, the newly-opened multi-family project on Martway east of Nall. We’re so pleased to feature this great new development in Mission and the public-private partnership that brought it to fruition. Sunflower Development Group worked in partnership with the City to design and build a project that incorporated both attainable housing and sustainability components to offer new, high-quality housing options for Mission residents. The project, built on the site of the former Mission Bowl, also incorporates some of the history and remnants of that popular community gathering place.

Finally, in our “look back” feature, we revisit the history of the Powell Community Center. The facility opened its doors to residents and visitors in 1999 and has enjoyed 25 years of success. I think you’ll enjoy learning about the early accomplishments, the almost immediate expansion, and how the vision of Mayor Sylvester Powell, Jr. continues to be reflected in the facility today.

I hope that 2025 brings growth, prosperity, comfort and positive change for each of you. As I continue to transition into the role of mom to Mackenzie and return from maternity leave, I look forward to the good work ahead of us in the New Year! May 2025 be even better than 2024!

-Sollie Flora, Mayor

Framing History

Quality Framing & Art provides personal service while preserving precious pieces

By Kris Baker • Photos by Kathy Delorenzo

January is a good time to focus on the successes and challenges of the past year. One local business has faced its own set of challenges and emerged stronger than ever and with an eye to the future. As the new year begins, now seems the perfect time to frame the story of a picture-perfect small family who traveled far and built their work and home in Mission.

A one stop frame shop

On a crisp winter day a little shop on Johnson Drive opens its doors at 10 a.m. The sun beams through the front windows illuminating the many items hanging from the walls. Paintings, posters and news articles, each hand matted and encased in a custom frame. Every time the front doorbell jingles Pedro Morales greets the entering customer with a smile. He goes over a delivered project with his most recent customer who “came in just to say what a great job Pedro did.”

“I’m always excited to hear that,” Pedro said. “We have people who keep coming back, I think, because we really listen to them and what they want.”

Quality Framing & Art is a custom framing service where all the work is done onsite. Customers are guaranteed a personal touch as every item is handled only by Pedro and his wife Carolina. From diplomas to family portraits, anything you wish to display will get hand-made, custom attention, all at the same, or many times cheaper, prices than big box stores. The Morales’ work to find the best design, mat and glass to fit any budget or style.

“We have some unique talents which help us stand apart,” Pedro said. "We get personally involved in every project we work on. The first thing I learned is every piece is the most important one in the world to that person. These are their memories we are preserving, and they deserve the highest amount of love and attention we can give them.”

The lessons he has learned come from 20 years of experience in the industry. Around 2001 Pedro started working for a friend who owned a frame shop. He picked up new skill sets and, with hard work and determination, developed his own tricks on how to do things better. In 2016, Pedro started a “side hustle” out of his garage making frames for friends and family. By 2020 he had outgrown the garage and relocated to the space on Johnson Drive.

“We make customer service our top priority,” Pedro said. “We’ve been lucky enough to have bulk orders (100+ frames) while still having our normal day-to-day orders, all the while finishing everything in a timely manner and keeping the quality of our work.”

Quality Framing does everything in-house. However, keeping the doors open was not always guaranteed.

Setbacks and successes

The COVID-19 pandemic, an event beyond Morales's control, hit them hard, as it did many others.

“The biggest change came after COVID-19,” Pedro said. “Prices dramatically increased (glass, molding, mats and delivery) and material was harder to get hold of. It seemed like stuff wasn’t being made as quickly.”

“It has been a roller coaster ride, lots of ups and downs,” Carolina said. “We had to get other jobs to pay the bills during that time.”

Of course, Pedro and Carolina are no strangers to hard work. Pedro had picked fruit in the northwest before moving to Kansas City where he cleaned shoes at local country clubs. While wiring his pay back to his family in Mexico he met Carolina.

“I was working for the wire service, and when Pedro came in we just hit it off,” Carolina said. “We have been together ever since.”

They were soon married. And then, 13 years ago, they purchased their first home and became permanent residents of Mission. While settling into their new home they soon realized Mission would be the ideal place to both live and work.

“We would drive along Johnson Drive, and we saw the building go up for rent and knew this was the area we wanted to open our first business,” Pedro said. “We saw a lot of potential since there are so many other small businesses around here and Mission is constantly growing.”

Through determination and some good fortune, they survived the pandemic.

“We got permission from the business administration to open early during the lockdown, as long as we followed all the guidelines,” Pedro said. Because of the nature of their business, they were able to social distance and take one customer at a time. “I put up a glass barrier to speak to people through. We were very careful.”

Their good fortune came in the form of a red and gold Kansas City institution.

“The Chiefs winning the Super Bowl was huge for us,” Pedro said. “Jerseys, championship banners, anything sports related immediately became our most popular items to work on.”

Carolina believes Quality Framing has endured because they never lost sight of their goals.

“I love owning our own business and being our own boss,’ she said. “To have our own store has always been our dream.”

Framing the future

After the ups and downs in recent years, Pedro and Carolina believe they have found their solid footing and are ready to move their business forward. Pedro has also had time to reflect on some of the positive changes he has seen.

“Obviously, technology is always changing; there is always a new update for some of the equipment we use, or a newer ‘quicker’ machine being released,” he said. The new technological advancements have made it easier to handle a variety of jobs. Pedro and Carolina are proud to show the large equipment in the back of the store. There is a heat press and a cold press to ensure every item is handled just right. Pedro knows how important it is to properly showcase people’s keepsake items.

“One of the biggest benefits to having your stuff framed is it shields the art from dust, moisture and harmful UV rays,” Pedro explained. “Without proper framing those elements can lead to fading and discoloration. Depending on what is being framed we try to recommend the correct type of glass/supplies to help preserve it longer.”

The right equipment has proved invaluable when working on some of their more unique projects. One of the most memorable requests was framing a pair of metal Victoria Secret wings.

“It was definitely a challenge,” Pedro revealed. “The customer wanted a custom made hot pink glitter mat. The wings themselves were also very heavy, so we had to figure out how to secure them onto the mat. It also had pictures with autographs of the models.”

Another fun project was when they received an order to frame 1,300 origami cranes in a shadow box. Pedro and Carolina worked painstakingly with all 1,300 of the cranes and individually hand-mounted each one.

The most valuable item they have ever framed is an 18th century document signed by Benjamin Franklin. The document was old and very hard to work with, but Pedro knew he was holding history in his hands. However, he believes every item he works with represents a piece of history.

“No matter the value of the items being brought to us, we take care of them all the same so that all of our customers are 100% satisfied with our work,” Pedro said.

Quality Framing & Art is located at 5830 Johnson Dr., Mission, Kansas. For more information visit their website at qualityframingandart.com.

Mission’s Parks – Good Things are Happening Everywhere

Updates and investment in Mission’s green space is making a difference

It’s hard to visit one of Mission’s outdoor parks and not take notice of the exciting changes that are underway. With renewal of the dedicated parks and recreation sales tax in 2022, Mission’s leaders were committed to updating and upgrading the city’s parks and green spaces.

Following through on nearly two years’ worth of conceptual planning and community visioning, 2024 brought some of the most significant investments in Mission’s Parks over the last 45-50 years.

In Water Works Park, where the property is owned by WaterOne and made available to the City through a longstanding partnership, an expanded walking trail, a new playground, restrooms and a shelter pened to patrons in August. The improvements were timed to coincide with the reopening of the newly constructed Rushton Elementary School. Students and families from the neighborhood, as well as others attending Rushton, are enjoying all the new amenities.

Mohawk Park – located at 67th and Lamar Avenue – experienced the biggest transformation this year. Phase I brought a shelter, restrooms and a new parking lot to the park. But it was the Phase II ribbon cutting in late November 2024 which unveiled Mission’s largest and “coolest” playground that really put an exclamation point on the past year.

It has been exciting to see Mission’s parks really “come alive” to attract and serve residents and visitors. The Council and staff look forward to continuing to build out the outdoor parks system, making memories and building a passion for community.

NEWSLETTER

Mission’s Business Community Shines in 2024!

Mayor Flora, the Governing Body, and City Staff spent lots of time in 2024 welcoming new businesses to Mission. Many in conjunction with the Northeast Johnson County Chamber of Commerce. Seeing our business community grow and thrive on the hard work of so many local owners truly makes Mission a special place to call home.

In 2024 we worked with the NEJC Chamber to welcome: Big Biscuit, Fiorella’s Boutique, Azura Credit Union, De Luxe Studios, Key Salon, ER Marketing, and helped our friends at Tyler’s House for Teens commemorate their new space in Mission. To learn more about our vibrant business community and view our online business directory, please visit our website at missionks.org.

NEWSLETTER

Sidewalk Snow Removal—What You Need to Know

Walkability and access for pedestrians year-round is an important value in Mission. There are many in our community who rely on being able to travel the City’s sidewalks, and it’s important we all do our part to help keep everyone safe. Each winter season, the City receives a number of complaints from residents and visitors to local businesses regarding uncleared sidewalks which detracts from the walkability of our community.

Several years ago, the City’s codes were revised to require property owners to clear sidewalks within 48 hours of a snow event. The intent was to promote timely snow removal to ensure the safety and convenience of those needing or wanting to get to work, school or errands during the winter months.

The code provides for a courtesy notice to be sent to owners, occupants or agents in charge of the sidewalks if they are not cleared, and there is no fee or assessment with the courtesy notice. Once courtesy notice is allowed each winter season. If a property owner doesn’t comply with the notice, the City has the ability to remove (abate) the snow and for any costs associated to be assessed back to the property. If you have questions about Mission’s snow removal ordinance, please contact the neighborhood Services Department at 913.676.8390.

Winter Snow Season is Here!

The work of Mission’s Public Works crews changes with each season. In the winter months, the Department turns its attention from street repair to snow plowing operations. Mission operates two 12-hour shifts with 4-5 crew members each to ensure Mission’s roadways are safe for travel.

• Crews run two routes focused on the main thoroughfares and two routes focused on neighborhoods.

• Streets are prioritized by terrain, visibility, and amount of traffic.

• Crews also remove snow from parking areas along Johnson Drive (between Lamar and Nall), along side walks near schools and along trails once the streets have been cleared.

• All vehicles parked on streets must be removed when now has accumulated to a depth of four inches or more, or any other time a Snow Emergency is declared, and kept off until all snow has been removed.

For additional information on Mission’s Snow Plan please visit www.missionks.org or contact Mission
Public Works at 913.676.8375

2024 Mission Citizens Police Academy a Success

2024 saw the return of the popular Mission Citizens Police Academy which had been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and staffing shortages the last few years. This 10-week academy is hosted every other year by the Mission Police Department.

Participants met once each of the ten weeks and covered a variety of topics related to law enforcement operations. Class sessions included a tour of the police department where officers talked about the equipment they use and wear to carry out their duties, crime scene investigations, search and seizure, animal control, hiring and field training processes, mental health co-responder information and crisis intervention. Attendees also learned about police canines, use of force (including virtual training), DUI enforcement, internal affairs, investigation procedures, domestic violence, and officer involved shootings/major case squad investigations. The class also had the opportunity to tour the Johnson County Adult Detention Center and the Johnson County Emergency Communications Center (dispatch). In addition to the classroom activities, participants also had the chance to ride along with a Mission officer during a regular patrol shift.

The program is offered to increase transparency and understanding of law enforcement tactics, but the best thing to come from the program is the connections made, and trust built between officers and participants. Mission’s Council, Chief of Police and the entire Department believe that the more trust and partnerships that exist between the community and the police, the safer our community will be. Mission will offer another academy in 2026 and opportunities to apply will be shared via the City’s website and social media.

“We learned what our officers and detectives experience daily and we gained insight into their dedication to keep Mission residents safe. The more than 20+ officers who helped teach the course were friendly and informative, and they respect the duties required of them each and every day. I learned that being a police officer is a duty that the men and women of our department are driven to do. They believe in service to the community. Their work literally puts their lives in danger potentially every day. They’re dedicated to the nth degree.

The class included an individual ‘ride along’ with an on-duty officer. We never knew what each of us would experience. Believe me, it was a four-hour lesson in reality…and an honor to experience.”

Mark Raduziner

NEWSLETTER

Mission Continues to “Pave the Way” with Roadway Improvements

One of the most frequent questions the Mayor and Council get from residents is, “When are you going to fix my street?” Streets also consistently rank high in priority in the DirectionFinder survey which is conducted every four years.

The City maintains 53.8 line miles of paved roadway. Maintenance of streets and other public assets, like stormwater or public buildings is an ongoing responsibility. Mission has completed core sampling and pavement condition (PCI) ratings for every street segment and staff and Council develop an annual street asset management plan based on that information. The general philosophy is to tackle the “worst streets first,” and the number of streets that can be completed in a year depends on funding.

Street maintenance needs ranges from simple pothole patching and crack-sealing, intermediate treatments such as ultra thin asphalt surface (UBAS) or mill and overlay to full-depth reconstruction. Shallow asphalt depths throughout the City often prevent maintenance treatments like mill and overlay, instead requiring full depth reconstruction. A full depth reconstruction is much more expensive but, done to present day standards, will allow for a longer lifespan of the street and is an investment which will set Mission on an improved path for the future.

Since the approval of the first dedicated sales tax for streets in 2011 and its renewal in 2021, the City has done seal and mill and overlay treatments on the local (residential) streets that have adequate base for that type of treatment. Approximately 9 lane miles of full-depth reconstruc-tions that have been completed, most recently 55th Street from Lamar to the east City limits.

The Council targets funding approximately $2 million annually for streets in Mission’s residential neighborhoods. Repair and replacement of residential streets is also balanced with work on the City’s major arterials and collectors (i.e. Lamar, Johnson Drive, Martway). In addition to the dedicated street sales tax which generates approximately $1 million annually, the Council has dedicated 40+% of General Fund property tax revenues to street repair and maintenance.

The City has been successful in leveraging outside funding for projects on our arterial streets. These funds come from the Johnson County Assisted Road System (CARS) program and from state and federal grants. From 2023 through 2026 Mission anticipates using more than $10 million in outside funding to support street maintenance. The largest portion of that comes from a $6 million federal grant that will be used for the reconstruction of Johnson Drive between Lamar and Metcalf in 2026.

If you are interested in more information about the condition of Mission’s streets and plans for street work over the next 5-10 years, please visit the City’s website at www.missionks.org and search for “Street Program.” There you can access information on current infrastructure projects as well as the Pavement Condition Index (PCI) map which details the current condition of all streets within Mission.

We understand that residents and businesses would love to see work happen faster - and so would we! The Council and staff are committed to prioritizing resources to keep up the forward progress and the investment in this important City asset.

HISTORY

Rebuilt Rushton Elementary School welcomes students and teachers with new innovations and designs

By Robyn Fulks and Kris Baker • Photos by Robyn Fulks

The hallways in the new Rushton Elementary School bustle with sound and activity each day. Since the opening last August, students and staff at the Shawnee Mission School District’s newest rebuilt elementary school are learning to navigate updated technology, purposefully designed collaboration spaces, co-lab spaces between classrooms and even glass garage doors in the hallways. Woven through this bright tapestry is history; history in the hallways, in the surrounding neighborhoods and in the city of Mission itself.

Teacher and student remember their big move

Fourth grade teacher Yvonne Corpus guides her nine and ten-year old students through lessons, life, and learning while knowing that her own path was also forged in the Rushton community. Corpus, a native Mission resident, grew up as a student at Rushton Elementary School.

“My dream all along, since third grade in Ms. Spoon’s class was to be a teacher and to come back and teach at Rushton,” she said. Corpus’s dream came true in 2018 when she joined the staff after completing her master’s in education from Rockhurst University. While the bricks themselves are very different from the building she attended as a child, she cannot imagine working anywhere else. Now entering her eighth year at Rushton, she has even taught some of her former classmates’ children. Corpus also confirms there is still one teacher remaining on staff who taught during her years as a student at Rushton.

Rushton Elementary student Claire Fulks, 10 years old and one of Corpus’s students, agrees with her teacher that being back at their home school has been wonderful. Students and staff had packed up the old Rushton in December of 2022 and moved shop across town to the old Westwood View Elementary School. There they began 18 months of “Rushton at Westwood View” as it was dubbed, while the new building was constructed. Fulks felt like the move to Westwood View was hard on her friendships and required a whole different way to get to and from school as “it took quite a little chunk of our time to ride the bus on home” each day.” She enjoys being back in Mission and having more time for playdates with her friends.

The consensus from Fulks and Corpus was that all the frustration, two moves in two years, was worth it. They love the amenities and upgrades that came with their new building, including the colorful learning stairs and the spaces to work one-on-one with classroom partners. Corpus also likes the fact she can use the glass garage door walls to keep an eye on things going on in more than one space at a time. The new building feels “different, but I really like it,” Fulks added.

“It’s easier to collaborate with community partners like the Consolidated Fire District No.2 and the Mission Police Department,” Corpus said. “We see them (the police department) checking up on things, saying hello, and it really brings a sense of safety and comfort.”

Both Rushton teacher and student agreed that out of the three elementary school buildings Fulks has attended thus far, new Rushton is hands down the best. Fulks acknowledged that going to three separate buildings for the same school is very uncommon; starting with seeing boxes being packed up during 2nd grade, learning in a new space in 3rd grade and coming home to her new school home in 4th grade. She hopes by learning to be flexible in her learning space (Fulks was also a kindergartener during the COVID-19 pandemic and participated in virtual learning from home for several weeks) will help her navigate new middle school and high school buildings in her future academic years.

“The moves definitely built up our resiliency,” Corpus said.

Both also agree that staff, students, parents, and community members have quickly come back together as a community and have embraced the new Rushton in every way.

The new kid at the new school

When Amanda and Stephen Jacoby moved to Mission, Kansas, they quickly learned that their son, Jack, would be one of the first students to attend the newly rebuilt school. For this family, Rushton Elementary had already become an essential part of their lives — an exciting new chapter in their educational journey that blends a state-of-the-art learning environment with a community-focused atmosphere.

“We felt like we were a part of the Rushton community before Jack started attending because of how tight-knit our neighborhood and Mission are,” Amanda said. From the start, they were drawn to the idea of their son attending a school that wasn’t just a building, but a hub for community building and connection.

“We moved here from Denver just seven months before the old school closed,” Stephen recalled. “We felt so excited that Jack would be able to start at a brand-new school building for kindergarten.”

The transition from the old building to the new one has been smooth for the Jacoby family, despite not having had the chance to see the original structure inside.

“I never got a chance to tour the old building, but I can confidently say that the new building is the nicest public elementary school building I have ever seen,” Amanda said.

Since the new school’s opening, the community has only grown closer.

“I've spoken with several neighbors who don't have students at Rushton but took advantage of the community nights and toured the building,” Amanda said. “The new school has brought everyone together in a way we hadn't expected.”

With the new school came an array of modern amenities that have made a big impression on the Jacoby family. Jack’s favorite spot? The playground. But the entire family is enamored with the school’s library, which Amanda described as “a true showstopper, right out of a storybook, and the cozy, creative space provides a perfect backdrop for fostering Jack’s growing love of reading.”

Beyond aesthetics, the school’s design has been intentional in creating an environment that promotes student well-being. The Kindergarten classrooms are placed next to first-grade rooms, which Amanda believes benefits the younger children by helping them interact with peers closer to their age group. Another feature that stands out is the security layout.

“I really like that the entrance funnels all visitors through the office first and foremost,” Amanda said. “Having the bathrooms inside the classroom cubby areas is genius. I love knowing my 6-year-old isn't randomly walking around the building alone just to go to the bathroom.”

So far, Jack has had a fantastic start in kindergarten, with his teacher, Miss Schminke, receiving rave reviews.

“He is absolutely loving school and tells us all about everything he learned that day when he comes home,” Amanda said. For them, seeing their son excited about school is the greatest gift. The community feel makes this experience even more special.

“I’ve never personally experienced a tight-knit school community like this,” Amanda said. “Rushton pride is everywhere you turn in Mission — I love it! It’s so fun seeing the kids and adults in their Rushton gear at Water Works Park after school every day.”

“We hope that Jack loves Rushton as much as he does right now for his entire experience there,” Stephen said. They also have hopes for extracurricular opportunities that will spark Jack’s interests as he grows. For now, Jack is already excited to join activities like cup stacking and Scouts.

As Amanda and Stephen watch Jack’s journey unfold, one thing is clear: Rushton Elementary has truly become home for them, and they are eager to see what the future in their neighborhood school will bring.

The Lanesat Mission Bowl

New multi-family project strikes a balance between the present and the past

By Laura Smith and Kris Baker • Photos courtesy of The Lanes

The fall of 2024 ushered in a new era of community along the Martway corridor east of Nall Avenue as residents began moving into The Lanes at Mission Bowl, the City’s most recent multi-family housing project. Developed and owned by The Sunflower Group, the 176-unit, 5-story project was completed late last year.

Honoring the past

The apartments are located on the site of the former Mission Bowl and sustained extensive damage by a fire in April 2015. The bowling alley, opened by Joe and Mary Dasta in 1958, was a popular gathering place, creating a sense of community for over fifty-seven years.

The community mourned the loss of the bowling alley, holding out hope for several years that it could reopen. The site sat vacant for nearly seven years as the issues were resolved in court. Unfortunately, at the end of the day, the owners decided reopening wasn’t feasible and focused exclusively on their Olathe location.

Banks Floodman and Jason Swords, partners at Sunflower Development, saw the potential in the site and knew they wanted to honor the legacy of the bowling alley in a new project. That history has been incorporated into the project’s branding and identity. The name itself is a nod to the bowling lanes. Retro designs and patterns are scattered throughout the community to preserve its character. Even the logo – a marble swirl inspired by a bowling ball – reflects the site’s history.

Nicole Yates, leasing manager for the community said, “One of my favorite features inside our units is the reused open shelving constructed from the original lanes.”

Project aligns with Council and community vision

There are a number of unique physical features at The Lanes which you notice when walking, biking or driving past. There are five live-work units that front Martway which will provide the opportunity for residents to office or offer services out of the ground floor while accommodating living space above.

Other resident amenities include a theater room, fitness area and clubhouse, as well as a roof-top pool and patio on the building’s south side. Landscaping and other pedestrian amenities were added along the Rock Creek Trail which runs in front of the building. A small pocket fitness park and small off-leash dog area are available on the west side of the complex.

In addition, the project offers some unseen benefits for the Mission community. In exchange for the approval of tax increment financing incentives made available through a public-private partnership, Sunflower Development group will dedicate 20% of the units (36 in total) as attainable housing units. The units will be made available to residents earning 60% of area median income.

The project will also be certified with a LEED Silver status, addressing long-term sustainability considerations.

Banks Floodman noted, “This helps us ensure we are doing our small part to address some of the environmental issues we face today. We believe in creating a community for the community.”

Some of the more notable things incorporated into the building design and construction include compartmentalization – meaning every unit has minimal air leakage and is efficient, resulting in lower energy usage throughout the property and ensuring a solar ready design with vertical pathways from all electrical rooms to the roof, and a roof design which would support installation of solar panels in the future.

A resident's perspective

The amenities and features of the Class A apartment project are intended to appeal to a wide variety of tenants. With the housing shortage that continues throughout Johnson County and the entire Kansas City metro, providing choices for both new and existing residents aligns with the community’s long term vision.

But what is it that really appeals to those who choose The Lanes as home? A former Westwood resident of over 45 years, Noella McCray was one of the first to move into the project. She had downsized several years ago after becoming widowed and moved to The Locale wanting to remain near midtown/the Plaza with services within walking distance.

After becoming widowed a second time, Noella put her belongings in storage and spent time with family on the west coast and in Europe as she navigated another significant loss.

Noella shared, “I learned about the development of The Lanes at the former Mission Bowl site and was drawn to the history, the convenient location and the very helpful development team. The nearby businesses were pleasant and welcoming and as other residents moved in the friendliness clinched the deal. Most of all I am pleased with the welcoming spirit and friendly atmosphere of The Lanes and the Mission neighborhood.”

As The Lanes at Mission Bowl continues to draw new residents to its community, the words of Mayor Sollie Flora from the 2022 groundbreaking seem to be coming true.

“For many years, this site brought people together – people seeking recreation, friendship and a sense of community. While that camaraderie may no longer be tied to lanes and pins, we think this project will ‘strike’ nothing but success in our community,” Mayor Flora said.

The Lanes at Mission Bowl is located at 5399 Martway Ave., Mission, KS. More information on the project or leasing can be found on their website at thelanesapts.com.

“For many years, this site brought people together – people seeking recreation, friendship and a sense of community. While that camaraderie may no longer be tied to lanes and pins, we think this project will ‘strike’ nothing but success in our community.”

- Mayor Sollie Flora

“Most of all I am pleased with the welcoming spiritand friendly atmosphere of The Lanes and the Mission neighborhood.”

- Noella McCray

Building Community: The Powell Community Center’s Journey

By Kate Deacon • Photos courtesy of City of Mission archives

2024 marked the 25th anniversary of the Powell Community Center (PCC), but the road to opening day in 1999 began as far back as the early 1990s. Former Mayor Sylvester Powell, Jr. (1977-2002) recognized that a fully functional fitness, recreation, and community center could significantly enhance the quality of life for residents and foster a stronger sense of community.

The idea of a public fitness and recreation center first gained momentum in 1991, when a survey of Mission residents revealed strong support.Over the next several years, Mayor Powell remained a staunch advocate for the project, emphasizing that a community center would not only serve as a vital resource for residents but also as a much-needed gathering space for various community groups.

One of the first challenges began with the search for land on which to build. By 1996, the city had secured the site of the former Martway Plaza — a prime piece of land that included a unique circular office building from the 1960s and the popular Jalisco’s Mexican restaurant. With ample land for the 300,000 square foot building, the planning stage could take shape. Upon unanimous approval by the City Council, noting “there is nobody who deserves this honor more,” an announcement was made that the new center would bear the name of the project’s most ardent supporter: Mayor Sylvester J. Powell, Jr.

Initially, the community center plans did not include one of the facility's most popular features: the indoor pool. While the inclusion of a pool would add an additional $2.2 million to the project’s cost, St. Louis-based architect firm Hastings & Chivetta strongly recommended it, citing the potential benefits for the community. Though Mayor Powell and some council members were initially hesitant about the added expense, agreeing to include the pool would prove to be pivotal in the center’s success, drawing in more visitors and making it a standout in the region.

In 1997, Mission voters demonstrated their support for the community center by overwhelmingly approving a $3.4 million bond with 81% of the vote. With the funding in place and a prime location secured, construction officially began later that year.

When the Powell Community Center opened its doors in 1999, it was met with resounding praise from residents, visitors and neighboring city leaders. The center’s success was immediate, and had a ripple effect on surrounding areas. In a 2001 article, the Kansas City Star quoted Overland Park’s leisure services manager, who remarked that the PCC had set a new standard for community centers in the region. “Mission’s center raises awareness, and the citizens have a little higher expectation once they’ve seen something like that,” he said. Inspired by the success of the PCC, Overland Park moved forward with plans for the Matt Ross Community Center, which would open in the following years.

The demand for space and amenities at the Powell Community Center was so great that discussions about expansion began almost immediately. In 2002, Mission voters again showed their support by approving a quarter-cent sales tax to fund an expansion, which was completed in 2004 and included a conference center, additional classrooms, an extended walking track, a larger aerobics and cardio room, a north entrance and expanded parking.

The expanded facilities further enhanced the center’s ability to serve the community and fulfilled the vision of those who had worked tirelessly to establish a lasting asset for the City of Mission. Twenty-five years later, although no longer the only one of its kind in NE Johnson County, the Powell Community Center continues to provide both Mission and non-Mission residents with a place to connect, stay active, and build a stronger, more vibrant community for years to come.