Day: March 6, 2025

The pieces of the Downtown Olathe puzzle continue to fall into place. What many had hoped for is finally official. LANE4 Property Group announced plans last week for a one-of-a-kind restaurant project into downtown Olathe. The County Square Commons project will be anchored by longtime Olathe mainstay, Austin’s Bar & Grill. The project joins a trio of restaurants that announced their intent to build in downtown Olathe. Char Bar, Pizza 51 and Third Street Social are coming to downtown with Pizza 51 targeting a summer opening. Everyone involved in the latest project for downtown Olathe are chomping at the bit to keep the momentum going in our city’s central core. The project is a one-of-a-kind restaurant project. LANE4 Property Group will renovate a 100-year-old building into over 10,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor restaurant space called County Square Commons. The transformative redevelopment will preserve the existing century-old building just north of the Park-Cherry Building, while adding two rooftop patios and vibrant new energy to the growing downtown community. “Downtown Olathe has arrived at a tipping point. After years of re-investment by the City and private developers, the vision for one of the most dynamic suburban downtown districts in the region is really coming together,” Michael Berenbom, LANE4 Managing Partner said. “With the City’s annual events and programming, we’re excited to be in the heart of the action.” Four or five retail storefronts are planned for the project that will be anchored by Austin’s Bar & Grill, occupying the south end including a rooftop patio on the second floor. The upscale sports bar concept has been serving Olathe since 1987. This will be their third location in Olathe and fourth in southern Johnson County. “Austin’s is Olathe born and bred. From the time we first opened our doors almost 40 years ago, to this opportunity to be part of the downtown renaissance, we have watched this community grow from a small town to one of the most dynamic and fastest growing cities in the region,” Brandon Blum, Austin’s partner said. “Serving generations of Olathe customers is our greatest source of pride. We can’t wait to bring our friends downtown and to also make new ones at this location.” Fifth & Emery, a new-to-market frozen yogurt and chocolate shop, will occupy the northern most spot. Ongoing conversations are underway with local restaurants for the remaining storefronts, including the second rooftop patio. Downtown Olathe will soon welcome beloved Kansas City favorites – Third Street Social, Pizza 51, and Char Bar – all making their Kansas debut in the heart of downtown. Alongside Country Square Commons, these exciting new additions are expected to energize the area, complementing the city’s lineup of public events at the new Johnson County Square Park. “We’re thrilled to welcome Austin’s to downtown Olathe,” Olathe Mayor John Bacon said. “Along with Char Bar, Pizza 51 and Third Street Social, these local restaurants are bringing new energy into the heart of our city, making it the active, vibrant district our residents have asked for. Exciting things are happening in Olathe.” Planned improvements within the re-development includes two expansive rooftop patios that will overlook the Johnson County Square Park, top-of-the-line amenities, infrastructure work and new external entrances. County Square Commons reflects Olathe’s growth and will help advance the City’s vision of building the critical mass needed to establish downtown as a premier dining and entertainment destination. “By bringing in new retail options and restaurants with rooftop patios, we aim to create a dynamic space that benefits both local businesses and the broader community,” Brandon Buckley, LANE4 Partner said. Since 2021 downtown Olathe has seen more than $250 million in public and private investment through projects such as the Johnson County Courthouse and Olathe City Hall, Johnson County Square Park, the 228-unit Arrello Apartments and the Downtown Olathe Library. LANE4 Property Group, in partnership with the City of Olathe, also served as developer for the state-of-the-art Downtown Library, which opened in April of 2023. “We’re thrilled LANE4 is continuing to invest in downtown Olathe,” Olathe Chamber CEO, Tim McKee, said. “We feel the County Square Commons project will further change the look and feel of our burgeoning downtown.” LANE4 and the City of Olathe are joining forces with Harmon Construction and Slaggle Architects for the Country Square Commons project.

Faith Technologies has found a home in Olathe as they continue to offer a wealth of employment opportunities and redefine the electrical construction and clean energy landscape with its comprehensive, end-to-end solutions. As the parent company to Faith Technologies (their electrical contracting business), EnTech Solutions (a clean energy solutions provider) and Excellerate (a construction manufacturing leader), FTI is committed to delivering integrated solutions that encompass design, manufacturing, installation and optimization. The company’s latest expansion in Olathe shows this commitment, further itself as a leader in electrical construction and sustainable energy. Excellerate: Revolutionizing Electrical Manufacturing Excellerate is the manufacturing arm of FTI and a leader in electrical component assemblies and custom-engineered solutions. Through its advanced, controlled manufacturing environment, Excellerate produces integrated electrical houses, unit substations, generator enclosures, and other power conveyance modules. These prefabricated systems are designed to enhance quality, productivity, and safety while reducing on-site complexities for customers. Olathe is home to the companies largest of five manufacturing facilities across the country and Excellerate plays a critical role in advancing key product innovations that drive cost savings, efficiency and safety in electrical construction. “We can take things that are typically done at the job site and we can build them as assemblies within our plant or parts of buildings in our plants to ship out, to take work off the job site, reduce the variables, whether you know ergonomic, make it more ergonomic, make them safer and more productive, keep things on track and on schedule,” Jeff Koga, Senior Vice President of Excellerate, FTI said. Expanding in Olathe: Meeting Growing Demand Faith Technologies first arrived in Olathe in 2019 when they built their 442,000 sq. ft. Excellerate facility. Recognizing the growing demand for its services, FTI built an additional 438,000 sq. ft. facility adjacent to the original building, doubling its production capacity in Olathe, bringing the combined manufacturing footprint to nearly one million square feet. “We’re really happy here,” Koga added. “We’ve got a really strong workforce, a welcoming community, and then the location really make Olathe stand out for us, geographically. We’re proud to be here. We love being part of the community.” This investment is not just about increased capacity — it represents their commitment to their workforce. A key feature of the new facility is the expansion of Faith Technologies University (FTU), their in-house accredited training program. By consolidating training spaces and providing hands-on learning opportunities, FTU ensures that team members develop the skills necessary to excel in modern electrical construction. “We take people with all different skills and abilities, and move them through to become apprentices, journeymen, foreman, superintendent, all the way through,” Koga said. “We’re one of very few companies that have accredited schools in that regard. Our current education spaces were spread out between multiple buildings. “This gives us a chance to consolidate that really improve our infrastructure. We have more classrooms, and more space out on the shop floor to do hands-on training. So, this (new facility) is helping us develop that next generation of support.” A Commitment to Innovation and Sustainability The expansion incorporates state-of-the-art design to enhance efficiency, sustainability and employee well-being. Features include industrial air conditioning, advanced insulation, optimized lighting, and motion-sensor technology. Additionally, a solar array will be installed to power a majority of the facility, reinforcing FTI’s dedication to clean energy. Employee comfort and convenience are also prioritized, with additional office spaces, natural lighting, and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. These enhancements not only support FTI’s workforce but also demonstrate the company’s broader commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Hiring for the Future With the expanded facility, FTI is actively seeking skilled professionals to join its team. Open positions include electricians, millwrights, superintendents, systems technicians, logistics specialists, and assemblers. Career-path training is available, and FTI’s apprenticeship program provides an opportunity to earn while learning the electrical trade. FTI’s “ground-up growth” philosophy means that career advancement is nearly limitless. From apprenticeships to executive leadership, employees have access to accredited training and real-world experience that enable them to thrive. “Our career opportunities are almost endless,” Koga said. “In fact, our CEO started as an apprentice with the company, worked his way up to CEO. That’s a great example. Some of the others on our executive team did the same.” A Culture of Care and Excellence Success at Faith Technologies is built on a strong culture of care, safety, and well-being. Team members are valued, respected and supported through initiatives that prioritize health, professional development and, most importantly, work-life balance. The company’s outstanding safety record and numerous safety awards reflect its unwavering commitment to employee protection and job site excellence. “One of my favorite parts about being part of the Faith Technologies team is our culture of care, and it’s really centered around safety, growth and wellbeing,” Koga added. “The focus of it is making our team members feel safe, respected, valued and appreciated.” Looking Ahead The expansion in Olathe underscores Faith Technologies vision for the future — one of continuous growth, innovation and service to high-demand industries such as mission-critical infrastructure, sustainable energy and EV charging. As the electrical industry evolves, FTI remains at the forefront, providing integrated solutions that empower businesses nationwide. With its strengthened capabilities, expanded workforce, and commitment to excellence, FTI is poised for even greater success. The Olathe expansion not only enhances operational flexibility but also paves the way for future innovations, reinforcing FTI’s role as an industry leader. For those looking to be part of a dynamic and forward-thinking company, FTI offers exciting career opportunities. Visit faithtechinc.com/careers to explore open positions.