Several Olathe businesses to relocate as result of Santa Fe/I-35 project

OLATHE, Kan. (KCTV) – The City of Olathe confirmed Monday that multiple businesses along Santa Fe St. will have to move to make room for a multi-million dollar road improvement project.

“The City of Olathe has had several touchpoints with owners and tenants we anticipate will be impacted by the project,” said Cody Kennedy, Olathe’s Chief Communications and Marketing Officer, in a statement. “In an attempt to have meaningful, respectful two-way dialog, the City of Olathe is working far in advance of our typical property acquisition timelines for public infrastructure improvement projects.”

The city shared this draft photo, saying it was subject to change but is the most up to date in terms of highlighting which businesses will be affected.

“This is still very early in the process, but the City of Olathe will soon begin working individually with each tenant and business owner regarding the land acquisition piece of the Santa Fe/I-35 project and following all state and federal guidelines when it pertains to property acquisition and relocation,” continued Kennedy in the statement.

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Gold Works has been located on Linwood Dr just off Santa Fe since 2001. Owner George Horochowski says before that, he ran his custom jewelry and repair shop out of his home for 16 years.

“I built up my business from here,” said Horochowski. “It’s been a great spot. It’s a good building. Even though I’m off the beaten path, people find you.  I think the project needs to be done. Whether it should be done as big as they are doing, I don’t know. It’s going to affect a lot of businesses here.”

He and other nearby businesses are now looking for new locations after seeing his business will be impacted. He attended a meeting about the project the city held last month, but says not a lot of information was offered.

“Didn’t say too much about how they were going to help everybody, just that they were going to help with relocation,” said Horochowski. “But I haven’t heard anything other than what was said at the meeting. So right now we are all waiting to find out what they are going to offer.”

He says he’s talked with another nearby owner about relocating. He says they both are looking and that they have time, but that it’s tough finding somewhere else in Olathe right now.

“Olathe has changed a lot in the last few years,” said Horochowski. “Lot of places have grown, places opening up, so availability is a little slim. We’re all just waiting.”

The City of Olathe says the project will improve safety and capacity on Santa Fe St.

Just up the road from Gold Works, Erv’s Vacuums has had a front row seat to car accidents they say happen all too often.

“Some weeks are worse than others,” said salesman Logan Place. “Last week we had two or three instances on different days. It’s definitely more than you would see anywhere else.”

KCTV5 spoke to owner Sarah DeGondea over the phone Monday. She says the city has been very communicative with her and has been keeping her updated when the project will happen for years.

After being part of the community for decades, DeGondea says they will be staying in Olathe, but where she and other businesses impact will move is still up in the air.

The City of Olathe says construction on the project will tentatively start in 2026 or 2027. All updates on the project can be found at OlatheKS.gov/SantaFe.

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