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.