Category: Business

Legends Outlets to add Woody’s Automotive, Nail Envy, and Bath and Body Works

The Legends Outlets in Kansas City, Kan., has announced three new tenants to open this spring– Woody’s Automotive, Nail Envy, and Bath and Body Works.

The new specialty stores will offer a customized personal automobile searching business, a full-service nail salon and spa, and a leading brand in the personal care industry.

“We think our customers will love how these newest additions help round out and complement the incredible shopping, dining and personal services already available at Legends Outlets,” said Jessica Bachtel, marketing director of Legends Outlets.

Woody’s Automotive

Woody’s Automotive is opening the first and only known used car concept store of its kind. Utilizing technology, a vast inventory and a no-pressure environment, Woody’s Automotive concept store will assist people in finding used vehicles at their desired monthly budget. The store regularly stocks all makes and models from exotic to economy-based automobiles. It will also purchase used vehicles.

“Woody’s Automotive is opening at the Legends Outlets due to its great management, designer outlets and retailers, and nearby attractions,” said Brent Kline, CEO of Woody’s Automotive Group. “With our no hassle approach and huge inventory, Woody’s is certainly worth the drive.”

Woody’s Automotive will open May 8 occupying a 507-square-foot space next to Panera Bread at 1811 Village West Parkway O-123.

Nail Envy

Nail Envy is both a salon and spa offering spa manicures and pedicures, acrylic nails, gel nails and gel polish featuring 15 manicure tables and 18 pedicure chairs with four smaller pedicure chairs specifically for children. Nail Envy also offers full hair salon services with six stations, waxing and make-up services, facials, body massages and eyelash extensions. All services are provided by highly trained, attentive professionals.

“We are excited to be a one-stop shop for customers to enjoy nail services as well as a full-service salon. The difference between Nail Envy and the average nail salon is our equipment and focus on sanitation. We use disposable pedicure liners in our chairs to guarantee maximum cleanliness,” said Gwen Dang, Nail Envy manager.

Nail Envy will open May 14 in the adjoining shopping center across from Yard House occupying a 3,000-square-foot space next to Payless ShoeSource at 10924 Stadium Parkway WC-102.

Bath and Body Works

Highly requested by customers to join Legends Outlets, Bath and Body Works is opening a traditional store at the center in late-May. Bath and Body Works is a leading brand in the personal care industry offering shower gels, lotions, fragrance mists, perfumes, candles and home fragrances. It features scents for body, hand and home. As makers of America’s award-winning fragrances, body lotions, anti-bacterial products and more, Bath and Body Works focuses on creating the highest quality products using natural ingredients.

Bath and Body Works will occupy a 3,010-square-foot space next to Ann Taylor Factory Store by the Civic Courtyard Fountain at 1803 Village West Parkway M-129.

– Information from Legends Outlets

Dunn plans KCK location

The J.E. Dunn construction firm plans an expansion into Wyandotte County.

A company official presented a plan for a 22-acre site with a $9 million investment for an equipment rental facility at 240 S. 65th.  The project was discussed at the Monday night Unified Government Economic Development and Finance Committee meeting.

Kurt Peterson, an attorney with the Polsinelli law firm representing Dunn, said it was a significant expansion from Dunn’s Missouri operations into Kansas.  The site would eventually employ 65 persons, he said.

According to UG information, an 80,000-square-foot facility is planned, and it will consolidate three Dunn logistic divisions on the site.

The rental facility would lease equipment to Dunn’s affiliates and to third parties, Peterson said. Besides the $9 million investment, there also would be about $45 million invested in equipment, he said.

George Brajkovic, UG director of economic development, said the 22-acre site is currently vacant. The property currently pays the local government about $1,600 in taxes. He said the first year of revenues to the UG if the development goes in could be about $90,000 to $100,000. It will be a payment in lieu of taxes.

He said the project is applying for industrial revenue bonds, not backed by the UG, and it will qualify for a 65 percent abatement.

The site is very challenging, a long narrow piece of property with drainage issues, according to Peterson.

The development is expected to be considered by the UG Commission on May 15, and a public hearing will be held, Brajkovic said.

BNSF Railway honors five KCK employees for outstanding achievements

BNSF Railway Co. honored five Kansas City, Kan., area employees at its 2013 Employees of the Year ceremony held this week in Fort Worth, Texas.

Kansas City, Kan., team members recognized for their contributions to the STARC Digital Radio Repeater Deployment project included: Nicholas Chubb, electrician; Bob Leedham, consulting systems engineer I; and Roy Ward, comm/signal foreman.

This team rolled out the STARC digital radio repeater system at BNSF’s Hobart Yard. The technology determines which receiver has the best signal strength and uses that signal for the repeated audio process. This greatly increases radio connectivity and user flexibility.

Additionally, BNSF recognized the “Best of the Best” work leaders for their outstanding safety leadership in 2013. Their work teams achieved exceptional safety performance in 2013; each work group was injury-free. Kansas City, Kan. “Best of the Best Recognition” employees include Scott Hawthorne, manager, roadway equipment, Engineering; and Robert Millinder, manager, signal, Engineering.

“BNSF’s dedicated employees fuel the success of our company,” said Carl Ice, president and chief executive officer of BNSF. “The 2013 Employees of the Year awards honor those individuals who demonstrate BNSF’s Vision and Values through their integrity, dedication and commitment to working safely and efficiently to meet the expectations of our customers and the communities we serve.”

BNSF Railway is one of North America’s leading freight transportation companies operating on 32,500 route miles of track in 28 states and two Canadian provinces. BNSF is one of the top transporters of consumer goods, grain and agricultural products, low-sulfur coal, and industrial goods such as petroleum, chemicals, housing materials, food and beverages. BNSF’s shipments help feed, clothe, supply, and power American homes and businesses every day. BNSF and its employees have developed one of the most technologically advanced, and efficient railroads in the industry. We work continuously to improve the value of the safety, service, energy, and environmental benefits we provide to our customers and the communities we serve. Learn more about BNSF at www.BNSF.com.

–    from Andy Williams, BNSF