‘Explore a new area’: Olathe bring new life to an old downtown

OLATHE, Kan. (KCTV) - A planned development in Olathe is hoping to bring new life to a 100-year-old building downtown.

By the time it’s done, this aims to be a destination for taste buds no matter what you’re in the mood for. The historic building on Cherry Street complements a push by the city to bring and keep people in downtown Olathe.

In an announcement from LANE4, Austin’s Bar and Grill will open as an anchor for the destination, including a rooftop patio bar.

On the other side, Fifth and Emery Frozen Yogurt and Chocolate has been announced as another tenant. LANE4 says there will be space for four to five retail storefronts, including a second rooftop opportunity.

This means additional local partners are expected to be announced as the project continues to move forward.

Cody Kennedy with the City of Olathe says they’re excited about all the new additions, especially with the Johnson County park across the way complete with concerts and events.

“We’ve got a couple of mom & pop shops still here that are thriving right now, but to bring in restaurants and a reason for people to stay for hours on end, it’s going to be really exciting to explore a new area of the city that’s come to life with new businesses, new events to explore and everything Olathe has to offer,” he said.

Kennedy says so far 83 events are planned for the park just this summer, and many more are to be added.

The building group will be called County Square Commons and is expected to be complete in 2026.

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