Project Status Update for Sept. 15th, 2026
Big development projects rarely move in a perfectly straight line. They evolve through conversations with stakeholders, planning, engineering, environmental review, community input and, of course, government approval.
That has certainly been true for this STAR Bonds Project being advanced by K-10 Development Group.
Over the past several months, our plans have continued to take shape through conversations with the City of Lawrence, the Kansas Department of Commerce, project partners and members of the community. Some concepts have been refined. Some boundaries have changed. And a few exciting new opportunities have emerged.
So, we thought this was a good time to take a look at where things stand today.
Why Has the Project Evolved?
One big reason is the STAR Bonds process. STAR Bonds are designed to support major commercial, entertainment and tourism projects that can attract visitors and bring new spending into Kansas. That means a proposed STAR Bonds project goes through both local and state review, and the attractions themselves must meet state requirements before the project can move forward.
As we have worked through that process, we have continued refining the project around attractions that both strengthen Lawrence economically and can be endorsed by the Commerce Secretary for the next step of the State’s approval process: a third-party visitation study. We now have authority to put forth both Free State Arena and Centennial Flight Center as anchor attractions to be evaluated by an independent third-party group to see whether our STAR Bonds project can draw the requisite number of visitors from both out of state and from more than 100 miles away.
And, as with any project of this size, engineering, infrastructure and environmental considerations have also shaped our plans along the way.
The 1059 is a good example. What began as the New Boston Crossing concept has evolved into a development with a much stronger emphasis on recreation, entertainment and environmental stewardship rather than higher-density housing.
Beacon Landing has evolved as well. Approximately 288 acres have now been annexed into the City of Lawrence. Additional land planned for the project is currently outside the city limits and will be added in the future as infrastructure and annexation conditions allow.
So, What Does the Project Look Like Today?
Our planned STAR Bonds Project is comprised of the following elements in its STAR Bonds Project District:
The 1059
The 1059 is planned as a recreation and entertainment district south of Lawrence.
Current elements include a multisport complex, hospitality, recreation amenities such as The Barefoot Trail Lawrence and significant environmental features, including native prairie restoration, wildlife corridors, stormwater improvements and preservation of natural areas.
The goal is to create a destination that brings people together while making thoughtful use of the land around it.
Beacon Landing
West of Lawrence, Beacon Landing is planned as a destination district combining entertainment, recreation, housing and commercial development.
The centerpiece attraction is Free State Arena, a proposed multifunctional arena having a unique internationally-certified wood velodrome track for national and international track cycling events as well as a multifunctional infield capable of hosting professional sporting events such as sixes lacrosse and flag football as well as community sporting events, graduations, concerts and more.
Additional elements include residential, hospitality, recreation and destination-oriented commercial uses to include Wildflower Meadow Park and Clinton RV Park.
Centennial Flight Center
Our newest proposed project element will take flight at Lawrence Regional Airport.
The development team is refining Centennial Flight Center and Centennial Residence Hall concepts with aviation partners. There are no plans to annex any land around the airport. Rather, we plan to optimize what already is available at the airport.
The Ninety-Nines, the international organization of women pilots, is helping lead exploration of the concept and potential operational partnerships.
NOTE: The addition of the flight center and residence hall for the STAR Bonds District will be a secondary application that involves the County.
What Happens Next?
Quite a bit. The proposed STAR Bonds district, project plan, financing structure and individual attractions still require additional review and approvals from the City of Lawrence, the Kansas Department of Commerce and other appropriate agencies.
Engineering will continue. Infrastructure planning will continue. Feasibility work will continue. And conversations with potential partners will continue.
Will some details continue to evolve along the way? Absolutely.
But the overall direction is becoming clearer: create destinations that bring visitors to Lawrence, expand housing and commercial opportunities, strengthen the local economy and build amenities that can serve both residents and visitors.
We appreciate everyone who has followed the project, asked questions and joined the conversation. We will keep sharing updates as the plans move forward.
