This year, Zona Rosa has gained a multitude of new tenants, drawing people in for a renewed customer experience.
“Zona Rosa in the Northland is becoming a spot to support small businesses with the recent addition of 17 businesses including locally-owned retailers as well as national staples and restaurants. Ten of the new additions are women-owned businesses,” said Kathryn Snellen, owner and strategist of KC Studio.
Since it was built in 2004, the outdoor suburban shopping destination has often been a hub for restaurants, musical concerts, small boutiques, and retail shopping.
During the holiday season, Zona Rosa is transformed into a version of a winter wonderland with holiday lights and giant holiday crowns hanging above intersections. Zona Rosa’s signature decorations and annual holiday events have become a part of the visitors’ holiday traditions.
Over the past two decades, the sprawling open-air mall has continually changed. Various tenants have taken up residence inside the mixed-use center, but not all have flourished there. Stone Canyon Pizza, Noodles & Company, Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, Bar Louie, and Tomfooleries all closed their Zona Rosa locations over time.
The Majestic Theatre opened in July 2002 as a three-screen movie theatre at 7430 NW 87th Street but closed in 2010.
While some of the initial anchors including The Majestic Theatre, Grantham University, and Marshalls moved out over time, new anchors filtered in. Dillard’s relocated to Zona Rosa from Metro North Mall in 2008. Changing demographics and the existing anchors, including Old Navy, Barnes and Noble, and Dick’s Sporting Goods have sparked renewed retail growth across the 100,000-square-foot center.
Now, local businesses specializing in a wide range of products and services are opening in storefronts across the suburban center. M. Vincề Nail Spa opened in November and specializes in advanced nail care and beauty treatments. The spa allows customers to customize their experience.
The Babe Standard, owned by longtime Kansas City resident Ash Lathery Donnell, opened a pop-up store last month at 7109 NW 86th Terrace. The boutique-style shop sells a wide variety of ornate hats, artisan jewelry, and purses. The company, which was founded in 2018, began creating custom-tailored permanent jewelry to the needs and desires of customers this year.
Additional boutiques including Annie Austen, Roots, Lids, Shop Len, and Tulle & Dye Shoppe have also opened in Zona Rosa this year. The Pink Dinosaur boutique expanded to a new storefront just across the street from Topsy’s.
RE:mporium recently took up occupancy where Altar’d State shuttered earlier this year.
A couple of new restaurants have also sprung up in the mall this year. QZ Poke and Ramen have multiple locations in the metropolitan area and will be opening their third location inside Zona Rosa this month. The restaurant specializes in classic Hawaiian dishes and ramen bowls customized with a variety of ingredients.
In June, Aṅejo Modern Mexican Cuisine opened at 8600 NW Prairie View Road. The highly visible spot was previously occupied by Bar Louie. Aṅejo serves up a modern spin on Mexican cuisine and beverages.
Restaurants and retailers aren’t the only businesses keeping the open-air, modern-day mall buzzing this year. Part of Zona Rosa’s attraction is the areas featuring mixed-use offices. There is a new Academic Services Center located at 7200 NW 86th Street. The building is home to the Park Hill School District’s Professional Studies Program and Student Well-Being Center.
Nearby, Clinical Counseling Associates of Kansas City LLC, is providing local therapy services, as well as unique therapy services, including a pet therapy program, EMDR therapy, a discounted internship program, and first responder services. Owners Jill and Sheena are Park University grads and have built their practice by offering multiple service options to their clients.
Additional experiences can be found at the newly opened Restore Hyper Wellness and F45 Fitness Center. F45 Fitness offers functional fitness classes that combine functional strength movement with high-intensity training. Both businesses are located on the west side of Prairie View Road near the front of the mall.
Zona officials believe the constant changeover and recent growth are morphing Zona Rosa into a modern-day mall that reflects the ever-evolving needs of the community.