Transforming Olathe: A Visionary $300 Million Project Promises Inclusive Entertainment and Sports Facilities

Olathe, Kansas, is set to undergo a remarkable transformation with the approval of a nearly 132-acre STAR bond district. This $300 million project, spearheaded by the renowned Hunt family, aims to bring a groundbreaking combination of commercial development and state-of-the-art sports facilities to the area. The plan includes an arena, an athletic complex for hockey and other sports, and an ultra-accessible amusement park inspired by the family's personal experiences with accessibility challenges.

Unlocking the Potential of Olathe's Gateway

Embracing Inclusive Design and Accessibility

The project's vision is deeply rooted in the Hunt family's personal experiences with accessibility challenges. Lamar Hunt Jr., president of Loretto Holdings, recounts how a visit to Morgan's Wonderland in San Antonio with his son-in-law's child, Michael, who has a rare genetic condition, inspired the team to create a truly inclusive amusement park. "Michael was born 10 years ago and he has a very rare genetic condition that keeps him from being able to walk," said James Arkell, chief operating officer of Loretto Holdings. "He has visual issues, he has a feeding tube, he's non-verbal but he's the happiest guy you've ever met in your life."The accommodations the family wants to provide mirror what they experienced in San Antonio, with a focus on full wheelchair accessibility, employment of special needs workers, and the integration of a multi-assistance center to minimize travel for people with special needs. This would make their park the second of its kind in the world, according to Arkell.

Diversifying the Sports and Entertainment Landscape

Beyond the inclusive amusement park, the project also includes plans for an arena and an athletic complex designed to host a wide range of sports competitions, from dance and cheer to hockey. Arkell revealed that the Loretto Holdings team presented a calendar filled with over 300 dates of scheduled events, showcasing the project's potential to become a hub for diverse sporting and entertainment activities.The strategic location of the project, situated at the Olathe Gateway primarily between 119th Street and Renner Boulevard, is poised to capitalize on the area's growing popularity and accessibility. This strategic positioning is expected to attract visitors from across the region, further enhancing the project's economic impact.

Leveraging STAR Bonds for Sustainable Development

The Olathe City Council's approval of the STAR bond district is a significant step in the project's realization. STAR bonds, similar to those used for the Kansas Speedway and Prairie Fire developments, are a financing mechanism that allows the state and other municipalities to pay back loans using the sales tax revenue generated by the attraction.Arkell emphasized the rigorous qualifying process Loretto Holdings had to undergo, stating, "A lot goes into qualifying for them and we were put through the wringer." This process involved presenting a detailed calendar of events and demonstrating the project's potential to drive significant economic activity and tourism to the area.Notably, less than one-third of the $300 million investment will come from STAR bonds, ensuring that the project's success is not solely reliant on public funding. This approach aligns with the Hunt family's history of strategic investments in the Kansas City region, including the development of the Jackson County Sports Complex and the creation of Worlds of Fun and Hunt Midwest Enterprises.

A Vision for the Future

The Olathe Gateway project represents a transformative opportunity for the city and the surrounding region. By combining inclusive design, diverse sports and entertainment offerings, and sustainable financing mechanisms, the Hunt family and Loretto Holdings aim to create a destination that not only caters to the needs of the local community but also attracts visitors from far and wide.As Arkell shared, the family's vision extends beyond the initial project, with his son already asking, "Where are we building the second one?" This forward-thinking mindset underscores the team's commitment to creating a lasting impact and setting a new standard for inclusive and innovative development in the Midwest.