New shopping center, senior apartments and restaurant planned for north St. Joseph
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- Residents could see a variety of new destinations for shopping, housing and food as part of a multi-million dollar project at the corner of North Village Drive and Rochester Road in north St. Joseph.
The large-scale development project is planned for a seven-acre property adjacent to Tuscany Village and east of the North Shoppes, and is expected to include a new 50-unit senior housing complex, a 10,000 to 11,000 square foot strip shopping center with multiple retailers and one or potentially two new fast-food restaurants.
The project is spearheaded by property owner and local developer BR & JR Development, LLC, and includes nearly $2.2 million for numerous public infrastructure improvements, including grading, sidewalks, storm sewer, lighting, landscaping and two new turn lanes, among others.
"We've sold the back four and a half acres to an apartment builder," Margaret Bruce with BR & JR Development said. "We close the sale with the apartment folks I believe on June 27 ... we anticipate starting (construction) fairly soon after we close."
Phase one of construction will begin with site development and the apartment complex, followed by the shopping center/restaurant, an anticipated yearlong process. Developers are hopeful to have retailers open for business by the end of 2026.
While the exact businesses haven't been disclosed, due to pending contract negotiations, Bruce said the company is in discussions with a variety of national retailers and quick-serve restaurants to support the up-and-coming center.
"Two (restaurants) that we're looking at now that we're talking with are not currently in St. Joe, so we're really excited about that," she said. "We're thinking of maybe splitting that site to where maybe we can either get two drive thrus."
Bruce said they haven't ruled out other types of businesses potentially going in, particularly with the automotive and healthcare industries showing strong interest.
The entire project is estimated to cost $7.7 million, $5.5 million of which will come from private funding.
The remaining $2.2 million in needed public infrastructure upgrades will be paid for by the developers upfront and later reimbursed over a 27-year period through a one-cent sales tax on future sales from businesses on the property only, part of a new Community Improvement District (CID) approved by City Council on May 12.
The additions will not only provide a variety of new amenities for residents but help create jobs and expand sales tax opportunities, efforts designed to improve the city's population.
"I think with the apartments coming that will create even more business," she said. "It's a great site, great exit off of I-29, easy access."
The CID will impose a $2 annual special assessment per building square foot on all retail and commercial uses within the district. The current assessed value of the property is $70,570.
Community development officials said the opportunity for additional public infrastructure improvements made it an attractive partnership.
A five-person board of directors appointed by the mayor will oversee the CID with staggered terms. As part of the CID agreement, City Council will have control over development costs in accordance with state law.
North Village Drive and Tuscany Village have seen significant economic growth in recent years, including new hotels, an Urgent Care Express, a planned Community Aquatic Center, the newly-opened VA Clinic, Swing365 golf simulator and upcoming Oasis Face Bar.
A full list of public infrastructure improvements funded by the CID can be found below.
