Mission, Ks aquarium still going forward

Or so reports Fox News, locally:

Mission Officials Say Aquarium Plan Still on Track

Mission, Kansas — The lot at the former Mission Mall site has been empty for years, but developers say it's long talked about saltwater tank continues to be the focus of it's new project.

Since 2006 the lot where the old Mission mall used to sit has sat dead. Promises of a new mixed use development called 'The Gateway' has been the buzz for years. And now it looks as if those plans are about to come to life.

"A project of this magnitude with so many pieces, with a health club, 400,000 feet of office space, a grocer, a 140 luxury apartments units, all those things coming together, it's not uncommon for these projects to take 4 to 5 years," said Tim Schaffer, Executive VP Red Brokerage, who is leasing the space for the developer.

These are the latest revised plans proposed by the developer for the nearly $1-million square foot project. The new plans include less retail space and more offices.

"We're out there talking to companies about re-locating their company to this location, so getting that first office building off the ground is really what is going to set this whole thing in motion," said Schaffer.

But the city says all anchor tenants including the two and a half million gallon salt water aquarium remain part of the projects concept. The state of Kansas authorized $63 million in star bonds for the gateway. Redevelopment for the $180 million dollar project can't come soon enough for some.

Link to original post with video here:  http://www.fox4kc.com/news/wdaf-crown-center-isnt-the-only-one-talking-aquariums-20110210,0,5123263.story?track=rss