I am designing a Mobility Hub for MARC in Gardner, KS as a part of a group of Mobility Hubs strategically chosen in Kansas City’s metropolitan area.  Gardner is expecting new companies and jobs in manufacturing and warehousing and more residents moving in. The city has a population of 21,110 (source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2016) and is projected to grow at an average annual rate of 2.9% in the next 20 years, “which equals approximately 800 people per year or 280 households”  (source: Gardner Main Street Corridor Plan).

Historically, Gardner was the junction of three trails – Santa Fe Trail, Oregon Trail and California Trail. Furthermore, Gardner is connected to different transportation options – Rail, Air and Interstate 35. Today, Gardner receives thousands of visitors during the summer visiting the Johnson County Fair Grounds.

Gardner has potential to continue growing with future job opportunities, the quantity of undeveloped land available and the entertainment and tourism the Fair Grounds attracts.