Lee's Summit Lowdown: 🏗️ 8 stories high, 2 neighbors running, & $2 mimosas

Welcome back to the Lee’s Summit Lowdown! I’m so glad you’re here.

In today’s Lowdown:

  • JKV’s Vertical Vision: The $220M skyline shift.

  • Neighborhood Watch: Meeting the 2026 Mayoral candidates.

  • The Loop: $3.5M for safety and World Cup "Happy Hours."

  • Local eats: Mimosas, brunch, and Sober Sips.

❄️ Weather Alert: Bundle Up, LS!

With temperatures struggling to hit the double digits and negative wind chills, today is a great day to read the Lowdown from under a heavy blanket.

  • Postponed: Because we would have literally had to shovel the sidewalks just to get to the doors, the Shovel the Sidewalk Sale in Downtown Lee’s Summit has been moved to Saturday, Jan 31st. Good news? That gives you another week to prep your "bargain hunting" gear.

The Lead: JKV is Reaching for the Clouds

If you think the skyline of Lee’s Summit looks different now, just wait. John Knox Village has officially unveiled its $220 million vision for the future, featuring the Country Club Towers. At 8 stories tall, this isn't just a renovation - it’s the tallest housing development in the city.

The Human Element: As JKV shifts from "garden cottages" to a vertical, resort-style model, the independent front door feel is being traded for luxury high-rise living. Residents are currently transitioning into newly minted Hybrid Homes, trading in their garden hoses for access to the new 400-seat Cultural Arts Center and the Seaglass dining experience. It’s a bold bet on the "silver tsunami" hitting our corner of the metro.

Neighborhood Watch: Two Familiar Faces

The filing window has officially closed for the 2026 Mayor’s race, and it’s a District 3 Duel. Both candidates are current familiar faces on the City Council, and you’ve likely seen them around town:

  • Cynda Rader: You might know her as a local Realtor or from her time on the Planning Commission. She’s been a vocal advocate for "Responsible Growth," focusing on how we balance new apartments with our existing neighborhoods.

  • Beto Lopez: Currently serving as our Mayor Pro Tem. Beto has been heavily involved in the city's recent momentum and is positioning himself as a "steady hand" to guide us through the high-traffic events of the 2026 World Cup.

The Weekly Trivia Challenge

The Lowdown Trivia: John Knox Village is building 8 stories high, but do you know what holds the current record for the tallest building in Lee's Summit?

A) The Saint Luke's East Hospital Tower

B) City Hall

C) The Gamber Center

D) The 291 Water Tower

(Answer at the bottom!)

⏪ The LS Loop

What happened while you were living your life last week.

City Council met this Tuesday (1/20) to clear the deck for a busy 2026. Full agenda here.

  • Emergency Ops Upgrade: The city accepted $3.5 million in state funds for a new Emergency Operations Facility. As we grow, our ability to handle big weather and major events has to grow with us.

  • It’s Official: Council gave the final green light to the World Cup Extended Hours ordinance. Local spots now have the option to serve during those early-morning international match times this June.

  • Road Work Wins: A $5.4 million contract was awarded for major storm sewer and street improvements on Olive and Orchard (between Douglas and Chipman).

No LSR-7 School board activity this week, but check out this awesome story about the district’s maintenance team prepping for the winter weather!

🚦 The "Orange Cone" Update: 291 & 50 North

If you’ve noticed utility crews and small closures near SE Browning Street or Douglas, you’re seeing the pre-game for the North 291/50 interchange project. While the main bridge work hasn't affected our daily flow just yet, the prep work is officially in motion.

  • What’s happening now: Crews are busy relocating water lines and utilities to clear the path for the new interchange. You might see some flagging operations on SE Blue Parkway, but for now, the main highway traffic is still moving smoothly.

  • What’s next: MoDOT is aiming for a January 2027 completion. Expect the heavy lifting - including the actual bridge replacement - to ramp up later this year.

🍴 Local Eats & Treats

  • Before the summer heat (which can’t get here fast enough) and bridge work make the 291/50 corner a no-go zone, head over to Iron Horse.

  • The Order: They are well known for their incredible Saturday and Sunday brunch, but if you can’t make it in the morning, you can’t go wrong with the $2.00 Mimosas (all day, every day). For those doing Dry January, check out their Sober Sips menu. Try the Lavender Lemon Lift - a floral refresher infused with Lion’s Mane and Ashwagandha.

  • The Perfect Pairing: Pair your drink with The Legendary Country Fried Chicken and Eggs. It’s hand-breaded to order and topped with scratch-made white gravy.

🎸 Live & Local

Where to find the best tunes this week.

📝 The Weekly Lineup

Put these on your radar so you don’t miss out.

  • Bingo & Benefit: Jan 25, 12:00 PM | Craft Putt.

  • K-Pop Music Bingo: Jan 26, 7:00 PM | Craft Putt.

  • Literary Destinations in the Midwest: Jan 26, 6:00 PM | LS Library.

  • Jazzy B's Bunco Night: Jan 26, 6:00 PM | Jazzy B’s

  • Star Wars Trivia Night: Jan 27, 7:00 PM | Craft Putt. Test your Jedi knowledge where it’s warm.

  • Create a Chunky Knit Blanket: Jan 27, 6:30 PM | Grains & Taps. Sign up now at the ticket link. $65.

  • Going to Extremes (Virtual): Jan 27, 6:30 PM | Online/MCPL. Travel journalist Peter Mandel shares wild stories from the South Pole to the Amazon.

  • Kids Pokémon Games: Jan 27, 6:30 PM | LS Branch. Bring your cards and battle!

  • Pajama Storytime: Jan 28, 7:00 PM | LS Library.

  • The Eagles Have Landed (Virtual): Jan 29, 6:30 PM | Online/MCPL. Learn the best local spots for bald eagle watching this winter.

  • Fun Fridays Networking: Jan 30, 8:30 AM | LS Chamber

  • Tippi Toes Dance: Jan 31, 10:30 AM | East LS Library.

  • Troop 220 Chili Dinner and Craft Fair Fundraiser: Jan 31, 10:00 AM | LSCC

  • Boozy Boutique Bus Tour: Jan 31, 10:00 AM | Team Cocktail

  • 2026 Father Daughter Dance: Jan 31, 6:00 PM | Gamber Community Center

✍️ Help Me Shape the Lowdown

Your Voice, Your Lowdown! 🎤 I want to highlight the people you care about. Use our new Community Nomination Form to tell me which local business or neighbor I should feature next!

I’m curious. 🤔 If you were sitting in the Mayor’s chair on Day One, what is the first issue you would address?

  • The Growth Gap: Slowing the apartment boom to protect local character.

  • First Responder Pay: Closing the COLA gap to keep our veteran police and fire crews.

  • Infrastructure: Ensuring the 291/50 and 150 Hwy projects finish on time.

  • The World Cup: Maximizing the 2026 events for our local small businesses.

  • Something else?

Hit reply and give me the honest lowdown!

Thanks for being part of the Lowdown crew! Stay warm, Lee’s Summit. You are loved.

— Jen

Editor, Lee’s Summit Lowdown

Trivia Answer: A - Saint Luke's East is the current heights-holder, but JKV is coming for the crown!

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