OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — It’s been nearly a decade since a plan to redevelop the Brookridge Golf and Fitness Club was proposed, and on Tuesday, the project officially began.

The developer, the city and Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly attended the groundbreaking ceremony.

This is a ceremonial groundbreaking because work is already underway. Tuesday’s event is to celebrate the launch of construction on a long-awaited project.

The $2 billion project is one of Kansas’ largest and most ambitious mixed-use developments. In addition to the groundbreaking, there was an unveiling of the property’s new name – Meridian. 

Here’s some renderings Curtin Property Company has provided.

Back in 2016, the rezoning was approved, and in 2019, the money for the project was approved. Since then, it has gone back and forth between developers, the Overland Park Planning Commission and City Council.

Governor Kelly said she hopes projects like these will help bring young people to the area.

“Economic development projects like Meridian are key to making Kansas a place where more young people want to put down roots and build their futures,” Kelly said.

During Tuesday’s groundbreaking, the developer announced that the first phase includes infrastructure work, two mixed-use residential/retail buildings, a grocery store, retail and restaurants and usable green space. 

The project received $10 million in grant funding from the Kansas Department of Commerce’s Building a Stronger Economy program and an $8 million grant from the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Economic Development Program.

The mayor of Overland Park, Curt Skoog, expressed his excitement for the growth this could bring to Overland Park.

“I look forward to experiencing that community feeling at Meridian, a place to live, work, and play – all just a walk away from one another,” Skoog said.

“I’m happy to be with the Meridian team this week to celebrate the beginning of this type of development and the economic impact it will bring to Overland Park and the surrounding neighborhoods.”

According to a press release from Kelly’s office, Meridian is anticipated to accommodate more than 16,000 jobs in the office and retail spaces.   

The golf club sits on a large space on the north side of Interstate 435 at Antioch Road.