Work on new West Lawrence Starbucks progressing; developers still looking for other tenants for the building

Posted by Chad Lawhorn January 7, 2013 at 11:15 a.m.

Work on new West Lawrence Starbucks progressing; developers still looking for other tenants for the building

“Wwwwhen is that ddddrive-through Ssstarbbbucks going to open?”

That’s the type of jittery e-mails and comments I’ve been getting regarding a new drive-through Starbuck’s in West Lawrence.

It has been more than a year now since we first reported that a Starbucks was slated to be built on the northwest corner of Sixth Street and Champion Lane, yet there are still people having to go through the indignity of getting out of their vehicles to get their morning Starbucks fix.

If you have driven along West Sixth Street lately, you may have noticed a new building has been constructed along the stretch of road in front of Free State High School. That’s the Starbucks site.

I checked in with Lawrence attorney Bill Fleming, who represents the development group on the project, and he confirmed the company turned the space over to Starbucks in mid-December. Fleming, though, didn’t have any word on when Starbucks may be completed with their interior work, which would allow the store to open. In talking with other folks, however, 60 days sounds like a reasonable number, so I would keep an eye out for Starbucks to open in February.

One other thing about the project: Some folks have seen the building and are under the impression that Lawrence is getting some sort of super-sized Starbucks. (And trust me, Starbucks knows how to supersize. I once mistakenly ordered a Venti, and had to ask whether it came with swimming trunks.) But no, Starbucks will not occupy the entire building on Sixth Street.

Fleming said Starbucks will lease about 1,900 square feet of the building, which will leave about 3,000 square feet of space that could be taken by one larger tenant or two smaller ones.

“We think a sandwich shop or something like that would make sense, but we’re not in negotiations with anyone right now,” Fleming said.

The area, though, is gaining momentum. Work is well underway on the new building for Theatre Lawrence, which will be just a few steps from the Starbucks.

Yes, before you have a chance to ask, the Starbucks is in the special taxing district that helps pay for infrastructure in the Bauer Farms Development. Projects in the district charge an extra penny on every $1 in sales made in the district.

I’ll let you know if I hear a specific date for the Starbucks opening.

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clovis_sangrail 4 months, 1 week ago

There are six other Starbucks stores in Lawrence that do not charge the developer vigorish, so in the unlikely event I absolutely have to have a Starbucks, I think I can easily pass on patronizing this new one.

LarryNative 4 months, 1 week ago

I will not have issue paying an extra 4 pennies for my coffee. My time has value.

clovis_sangrail 4 months, 1 week ago

I suppose that would be true if one already lives out there with the special people. I am glad that you won't have to go all the way to the Dillon's across the street.

KRichards 4 months, 1 week ago

Jealous much?

livinginlawrence 4 months, 1 week ago

What do you suppose is special about people who live "out there"?

KRichards 4 months, 1 week ago

No kidding. Unless you are buying a car, the extra tax is not even noticeable.

frankfussman 4 months, 1 week ago

I stay with La Prima Tazza and Z's. Vote with your money.

merrill 4 months, 1 week ago

How many enjoyable opportunities for additional sales tax spending are consumers experiencing?

Does anyone know how many of these exciting sales tax opportunities exist in Lawrence..... and exactly where?

What a great source of additional profit for a lifetime.

gccs14r 4 months, 1 week ago

I had posted a link to a city-linked website that shows all current and proposed taxing districts, but the post got punted for some reason.

Go to lawrenceks.org and look for specialassessment, then follow the View Properties link. It takes you to a map of the city showing all the properties subject to specials, plus the extra sales tax districts. It's disturbing that there is one proposed for downtown. The only reason for that must be to drive off customers.

oneeye_wilbur 4 months, 1 week ago

Oh I am sure the developers can line up another mundane run of the mill business. Don't expect anything so spectacular that folks will drive miles to experience,

So close to nursing homes and "retirement" centers they might consider a Depends Big Box store.

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