The old Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant, which produced propellants for ammunition during certain periods of activation between the years 1942 to 1992, was sold in 2005 by the Army to Sunflower Redevelopment, LLC. Cleanup efforts by Sunflower Redevelopment are currently under way, with initial cost estimates of $200 million and taking up to eight years to complete.

Sunflower Redevelopment will develop about 6,000 acres at the site “in accordance with Johnson County’s master plan” under the general vision of a “Community in a Park.” It’s based on a well-planned, sustainable community of residences, schools, churches, businesses, and commercial and light industrial uses. The plan also includes state and university research facilities, which are expected to generate up to 23,000 bio-science jobs.

Vision Land Consultants has been contracted to assist in the planning efforts as it relates to future infrastructure phasing, planning and costs. Vision Land prepared an independent review of transportation issues, and phasing of the utility infrastructure to support the development of the land plan. Each development scenario, to include changes or relocation of land use, was measured against the infrastructure needs of the project, so the most cost-effective solution to planning could be completed.