In the Sunflower Subdivision, just north of First State Bank and Trust’s highway bank in Tonganoxie, plans call for Lawrence Memorial Hospital to build an office for a doctor. But the hospital continues to review its building costs, according to Chris Donnelly, executive vice president at First State.

Sunflower includes six tracts, from one to 1 1/2 acres in size.

“Professional offices would be our first choice attorneys, accountants, insurance agency, something that fits well with the banking business,” he said.

Donnelly is among members on a new economic development task force that the Tonganoxie City Council formed. The group will help drive commercial and industrial development to the city.

“I think it will be helpful in organizing local people in doing things to stimulate the thought process about getting new business in here,” he said. “I’m excited about it. We’ve got to get the local people all going the same direction. I think it will help, I think it will help everybody.”

Across Laming Road from the bank’s property is Highland Ridge Business Center, which offers commercial and industrial lots. Steve Kelly, an Overland Park man who is developing the property, said he’s seen some interest in Highland Ridge.

“We’ve got some things working, but none of them is ready to announce at this time,” Kelly said.

While some folks are hoping to attract new businesses to the area, some companies are expanding from their existing locations. B&J Country Mart in Tonganoxie has completed its addition.

At Himpel Lumber Yard, owner Charlie Ussery is expanding into a former feed store just north of Himpel’s. Ussery had considered moving to U.S. Highway 24-40, but decided to expand.

Also downtown, Calvin Quisenberry, who along with his wife, Susan, own Tonganoxie’s funeral home and Village Floral, purchased the former Community National Bank building. They have attracted Advantage Investors to the building, from their former home on Second Street, at U.S. Highway 24-40.

In Basehor, the city lost a large portion of its commercial development to a fire in December. But some plans are being made to develop a tract south of U.S. Highway 24-40, near 155th Street. According to city officials, preliminary discussions are focusing on a grocery store, among other businesses.

And Community National Bank is opening a branch on the north side of the highway.

Sonic Drive-In also is seeking a site to build a restaurant in Basehor, according to Charlie Krout, the manager of Tonganoxie’s Sonic.