By Maria Carter
Mission, KS – The area around Shawnee mission Parkway and Roe will have a new look in a few years. The 20-year-old mission center mall will be torn down and replaced by mixed-use development. KCUR's Maria Carter reports.
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A chain link fence surrounds the now vacant mall. The backhoes and bulldozers started their work ripping up an entryway. Demolition is expected to take around five months. What would replace the mall sparked some controversy several years ago when Wal-Mart announced plans to open a store at the site. Many community members objected to the plan, and it was eventually shot down by the Mission city council. Mayor Laura McConwell says the current project is different and will keep the suburb's small town feel.
Laura McConwell: "Because I don't think it's going to take away from Ideals and our sense of community in the city of mission."
When finished, the 17 acre site will house a hotel, movie theater, restaurants, and some 350 condos.