Major entertainment hub possibly coming to northeast Olathe

Major development isn’t slowing down anytime soon for the metro. May we present, Exhibit A:

A proposal for a 132-acre STAR bond district in Olathe, KS surfaced last month, but limited details left locals in the dark. Now, we know developers aim to turn Olathe Gateway — an area around 119th Street and Renner Boulevard — into a major entertainment hub.

Plans are still in the early stages, but VanTrust Real Estate’s preliminary proposal has already perked our ears:

• 155,000-sqft sports arena with an outdoor skating rink
• 8.5-acre theme park complete with a sensory village, train depot, and carousel
• Six-story, 150-room hotel
• Eight restaurant buildings
• 30,000 sqft of retail space

And that’s just for 65 acres on the project’s southwest corner. No plans have been shared yet for the northern portion.
If you’re interested in hearing more, circle Tuesday, Sept. 17 in your calendar and attend the city council’s public hearing on the proposed district. You just might see us there.