Margaritaville resort and resort prepared for new KCK development

A massive redevelopment of the previous Schlitterbahn h2o park would receive additional incentives as it adds new jobs, including a Margaritaville resort.

Robb Heineman, a former CEO and recent portion-proprietor of Sporting KC, this 7 days introduced an up-to-date prepare for his Homefield enhancement to a committee of the Unified Authorities of Wyandotte County-Kansas Town, Kansas.

The most substantial change is the addition of an $85 million, 250-place Margaritaville resort resort. Named after Jimmy Buffet’s music of the exact title, that chain is identified for big, nonetheless laid-back attributes. Margaritaville has resorts at preferred places like Lake of the Ozarks, Nashville, Palm Springs and the Bahamas.

Heineman mentioned the brand name just opened a new hotel in New York’s Moments Square final yr.

“We’re tickled to loss of life,” he explained. “…Conceptually, it’s one particular of the best things likely on in the United States proper now.”

The popular Schlitterbahn h2o park opened in 2009, but company declined sharply soon after a 10-year-aged boy died on the 17-story Verruckt h2o slide in 20016. The slide was torn down and the park sat unused considering the fact that 2019.

Described as a “youth sports mecca,” the wider Homefield growth will emphasis on youth sports activities growth services and fields for huge tournaments. It will also involve new motels, apartments and retail.

Heineman said operate has now started on some $75 million worth of new construction for the web-site, which sits just northeast of the intersection of Interstates 70 and 435 in western Wyandotte County. These first assignments consist of a new Fairfield Inn, a Camping Environment keep and a 270-unit condominium intricate.

The Unified Authorities accredited a enhancement arrangement with Homefield in November. That arrangement referred to as for the awarding of $130 million in Kansas STAR bonds, a controversial incentive software that redirects gross sales taxes to aid offset the expense of main jobs, to Homefield.

But a Unified Government committee this week endorsed designs to extend incentives for the business. It will now seek up to $150 million in STAR bonds, which have to be authorised by the Kansas Office of Commerce.

The community authorities will also take into account building profits tax exemptions and Group Enhancement Districts, exclusive sales taxes collected inside of a geographic location that can aid offset expenditures of projects. UG officers said the business would seek out a 2% tax for the Margaritaville house.

In addition, the Unified Govt will give 70 acres of property it owns at the site for absolutely free to Homefield. The regional authorities formerly requested the developer to order that land for $3 million.

The Unified Authorities will in fact use the to start with STAR bond issuance to shell out off more mature STAR bonds. The state in 2013 awarded $85 million in STAR bonds to help fund improvements at the Schlitterbahn park. But those people bonds are now at threat of default and Wyandotte County could owe thousands and thousands if they are not repaid.

“They will be wiped off the textbooks,” reported Todd LaSala, a regional legal professional representing the unified authorities. “So, the possibility of us owning to appear out of pocket to back again these bonds will vanish with the first issuance of STAR bonds. And that’s a big offer to us.”

As element of the new arrangement, the developer has also agreed to increase its pledge to devote in downtown and other urban spots of Kansas Metropolis, Kansas. Even though no certain assignments have been discovered, Homefield upped its assure from $3.75 million to $4.35 million.

Heineman informed commissioners on Tuesday that his enterprise has signed a partnership settlement with Fantastic Recreation, which scouts baseball expertise and organizes newbie tournaments. As section of that settlement, Heineman mentioned, Excellent Activity is demanded to deliver 75,000 hotel room nights to the location every single year.

He mentioned the broader advancement, which sits around the Kansas Speedway and Village West, continues to achieve interest from developers.

“The awesome matter is we nevertheless have a whole lot of land out in this article,” he said. “And we have passions that are popping up just about every working day and they’re across the board.”

Although some commissioners experienced thoughts about specifics, the amended progress settlement was effortlessly passed as a result of the commission’s economic growth committee on Tuesday. The total board of commissioners will vote on the evaluate next week.

“It was prolonged overdue that we obtained rid of the eyesore that was out there,” claimed Chuck Stites, who represents that portion of Wyandotte County. “I’m happy to have that out there.”

This tale was at first revealed January 27, 2022 5:00 AM.