First Johnson County Library demolished, making way for new development in Merriam
MERRIAM, Kan. (KCTV) - The Antioch Library has been demolished as the site is creating new opportunities for development in Merriam.
The Antioch Library opened in 1956. It closed in 2024 as the new Merriam Plaza Library opened just down the road.
“It was bittersweet in the sense that it was the original main library for Johnson County,” said Merriam Mayor Bob Pape.
Across the street from the library is the new Grand Station project with apartments, retail, and restaurants. It sits where the old Kmart once sat.
The city is hopeful the Antioch Library lot won’t sit vacant as long as the Kmart did.
“The number one thing I was hearing about was we need a grocery store, and so now we’ve been working on that,” said Mayor Pape.
That’s what’s in the works. Drake Development and the City of Merriam are looking to turn this into ‘Grand Station Marketplace. Nothing is currently approved or signed by the City.
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“Most of that whole block from Antioch over to Ikea Way would be demolished with the exception of the Chipotle,” said Mayor Pape.
It would include a grocery store on the lot of the library.
Restaurants and retail would be where the Caribou Coffee is, and a four-story apartment complex where the gas station and auto shop sit.
“I like the idea of having more in this area, you know, a lot of people go way south to do anything,” said Shawnee resident Joe Brickner.
Many feel this could bring big benefits to Merriam, while others wonder what this could mean for traffic.
“That corner itself could be a problem, but that is a busy corner anyway,” said Brickner.
“We actually have a committee that is looking at the I-35 and Shawnee Mission Parkway intersection, the I-35 and 67th street intersection, and also the I-35 and Johnson Dr. intersection and seeing what we can do to kind of alleviate some of those congestion problems that might occur with the influx of more people traveling up and down our streets,” said Mayor Pape.
It’s expected to be a multi-million dollar project and something the city is hoping to set in stone this month.
“Every year we do something bigger and better for the citizens,” said Mayor Pape.
They are expecting to use the I-35 TIF District, GO Bonds, and a CID to help fund this project.
The City is holding a Merriam Special City Council meeting on Monday, June 16, at 7 p.m. at City Hall. They encourage residents to attend to share what they feel about this project coming to town.
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