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The 1970 Carpenter's song We've Only Just Begun was originally written as background for a wedding, but it could also serve as Platte County's new theme song. Comprising one of Kansas City's two Northland counties, Platte exhibits nothing half-hearted in terms of recent growth. And as the Carpenters crooned, this growth is certain to continue. A major reason for the area's potential is its position. Flanking the two interstate highways leading to Kansas City International Airport, Platte County also includes undeveloped acreage in the shadow of downtown Kansas City and alongside several other important transportation arteries. Even the area's office growth, which has reflected that market's general softness, has been steady because of demand around KCI. In retail, residential and industrial markets, Platte appears poised to take a leading role because of strategic location. This is also a saga that features some unique twists. Platte County's demographics include the second highest income level in both metropolitan Kansas City and in the state of Missouri. Although it's growing rapidly, Platte still features a relatively small population. From the Nationals in Parkville to Tiffany Springs near KCI Airport, new developments have tended to feature upscale homes with extensive amenities. This has translated into a relatively compact, affluent population with access to lots of open space. Not surprisingly, these features are a boon for quality of life and have underscored at least the potential for more development, especially retail devel-opment. But in Platte County, these trends have nuances worth noting. Despite its relative affluence, Platte has historically seen relatively slow retail growth. Only the busy 64th Street and Barry Road corridors off I-29 have seen any large-scale development in the retail sector. Now that is changing rapidly. Not only are these original zones continuing to expand, but new hotspots in Parkville and Platte City are developing critical mass of their own. Three factors have contributed to these trends. To a large degree, developers have discovered Platte County's potential and are beginning to exploit it. Listed as one of the top 250 counties with potential growth in the nation, Platte is attracting not only more development attention but also the kind of planning and financing that bring sizable and sophis- ticated growth. Zona Rosa, labeled by some as the next Country Club Plaza, is the best example. At the same time, the area has continued to grow. Although Platte County's population of less than 80,000 still represents one of the smallest groups in metropolitan Kansas City, the region has maintained a 20 percent expansion rate for nearly 40 years. Today's increasing pace of residential construction promises to equal and probably exceed that, depending on national economic factors. Finally, the area's road and highway network continues to expand, making key corridors more easily accessible to both residents and those visiting from other areas. At the end of the day, all of this means that Platte County has a growing population of relatively affluent residents with increasing access to the rest of the metro area. The transportation issue also includes something that is fairly unique among Missouri counties: Platte County last year approved a county-wide transportation plan and related funding to keep its roadways ahead of the growth curve and to address trouble spots where growth has become intense. Although not uncommon in other states, this level of county action to address local road issues is unusual in Missouri. It's a clear sign of Platte's intent to maintain its quality of life while managing growth at a high level. Two of the first projects targeted with these funds included roads near the area's most intense urban development: the I-29/Barry Road retail corridor. By widening two-lane roads to four-lanes, and adding other amenities such as bike paths, Platte Countians prove they are willing to support efforts for their region to compete throughout metropolitan Kansas City. A similar, countywide fund approval targeted Platte County's often-enviable lifestyle. Although residents here have historically benefited from low population and extensive open space, in 2000 they moved to assure some elbowroom remains as the county's population grows. The result was a tax increase to fund park expansion that has already resulted in groundbreaking for two large recreation centers and one of the area's most aggressive trail and greenway networks. Within the next two years, additional openings are planned for what will be the county's largest park near Platte City and a major aquatics center northwest of I-29 and Barry Road. This kind of support is not really new here. With its smalltown, decidedly rural heritage, Platte County has often exhibited an "up by the bootstraps" mentality that helps explain community support for local amenities. At the same time, a somewhat village philosophy brings some of the area's most treasured quality of life features, from quaint business centers in Parkville, Weston and Platte City. Even newer developments seek to maintain this people-friendly emphasis. This sense of community in Platte County is also behind the area's surprisingly dynamic arts environment. A roster of these amenities includes the bell Road Barn Players, greater Kansas City's oldest community theater group, and the 38-year-old Northland Symphony Orchestra, which for the past three years has played most of its performances in Riverside. Platte County cultural life is also heightened by Park University, the Parkville institution of higher education founded in 1875. Now with several off-campus facilities, Park University serves more than 17,500 students. Park also operates a unique underground facility that houses its library and other educational offerings, as well as one of Kansas City's largest underground commercial developments. Despite this impressive list of accomplishments, the next several months are likely to set records for Platte County progress. A number of public and private ribbon cutting events, grand openings and groundbreaking ceremonies are scheduled or in the planning stages. And while the number of these developments is important, their diversity is, too: recreation, health care, retail and residential growth are all moving forward in Platte County. And yes, they've only just begun. |
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