About Downtown
Overland Park

About

Located on either side of Metcalf between 78th and 83rd streets in the heart of Overland Park, Downtown Overland Park is an integral part of our community’s heritage.

Situated on the historic Santa Fe Trail, it originally bustled with horse-drawn traffic, the famous Steam Electric Interurban Railroad Line, gravel streets, a dance hall, restaurant, dry goods store, blacksmith shop, an aviation park, and other popular amenities that people enjoyed daily.

The City of Overland Park traces its roots back to 1905 with the arrival of its founder William B. Strang Jr., who platted subdivisions along a military roadway. Strang envisioned a “park-like” community that was self-sustaining and well planned. He also sought strong commerce, quality education, vibrant neighborhoods, convenient transportation and accommodating recreational facilities. Strang named one of his subdivisions “Overland Park.”

In the early 1990s, city officials began focusing their efforts on renovating the historic downtown area. The Clock Tower Plaza was dedicated, and the Farmers’ Market Pavilion was constructed.

Downtown Today

More than a century later, Downtown Overland Park’s charming past and small-town flavor have grown into a modern and vast array of nearly 300 locally owned and operated businesses. The area is known as a strong community, focused on great food, the arts, and friendly local businesses lining the walkable streets and close-knit buildings.

Meet the Team

2024 Board of Directors

  • Bret Richardson

    President
    Community Member

    (816) 455-2500

  • Kassie Murphy

    Vice President
    ensemble

    (913) 283-8132

  • Courtney Caldwell

    Treasurer
    The Old Mango

    (913) 261-9719

  • Rob Arnold

    Secretary
    We Got Your Back Apparel

    (913) 302-2403

  • Travis Lindemoen

    Board Member
    Nexus IT

    (913) 579-2603

  • Calleen Green

    Board Member
    Community Member

2024 Board Members

  • Brandon Brazda

    Board Member
    EPC Real Estate Group

    (913) 800-8310

  • Dan Popp

    Board Member
    BRR Architecture

    (913) 262-9095

  • Kate Gunja

    Board Member
    City of Overland Park

    (913) 895-6000

  • Libbey Tucker

    Board Member
    OP Chamber of Commerce

    (913)-491-3600

  • James Shetlar

    Board Member
    Law Firm of James Shetlar

    (913) 648-3220

  • Megan Hoban

    Board Member
    Prairiebrooke Arts

    (913) 341-0333

  • Gregg Riess

    Board Member
    Overland Park City Council

    (913) 895-6591

  • Christian Weld-Brown

    Board Member
    mbb

    (816) 531-1992

  • Philippe Lechevin

    Board Member
    Buffalo State Pizza

    (816) 442-7441

  • Jim Kite

    Board Member
    Overland Park City Council

    (913) 438-2183