Independence Municipal Commons
Beginning late Winter 2025, most City of Independence departments will be housed at 20201 E. Jackson Drive, near I-70 and Little Blue Parkway.
The move marks a significant milestone in the city’s efforts to improve accessibility, customer service, and operational efficiency, while addressing long-standing space and parking limitations at City Hall.
Independence Municipal Commons is designed to be a one-stop shop for your most-used City services. By bringing departments together under one roof, the City aims to make it easier, faster, and more convenient for residents and businesses to get things done.
Examples of Services soon to be available at Independence Municipal Commons:
- Pay an Independence Utility Bill
- Apply for a Sidewalk Construction Permit
- Request Records from the City Clerk
- Apply for a Building License
- Request a Special Events Permit
This move will take place in phases, meaning not all departments will relocate at the same time. Before visiting City offices, residents are encouraged to confirm where services are being provided.
Please note: Municipal Court, Independence Health Department, and most public meetings, including City Council and Planning Commission, will remain at City Hall until early 2026.
Services Currently Located at IMC
Community Development Customer Service
Located on the second floor of Independence Municipal Commons
- Permitting and Licensing
- Planning and Zoning
- Engineering Services
- Rental Ready
- Code Compliance
*Updated February 2026, check back for additional city services offered at IMC during our moving phase as they become available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
City Hall at 111 E. Maple Avenue no longer meets the needs of the community or City operations.
Key reasons for the move include:
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The building is not ADA-compliant
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The Jackson Drive location, conveniently located near I-70 and Little Blue Parkway, improves access for residents
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More parking is available at Jackson Drive
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Space limitations at City Hall restrict operations
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An estimated $31.4 million would be needed to repair, renovate, and make City Hall ADA-compliant, without solving space issues
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Bringing departments together improves efficiency and customer service
Independence Municipal Commons provides:
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Ample parking for visitors
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Fully ADA-compliant facilities
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Easier access to multiple departments in one visit
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An outdoor plaza for gathering and community use
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Flexible meeting and event space for boards, commissions, town halls, and exhibits
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Room for future growth to support City services long-term
Independence Municipal Commons is located at 20201 E. Jackson Drive, near I-70 and Little Blue Parkway.
Formerly known as the Landmark Building or the GEHA Building, the site offers convenient highway access and improved visibility.
Departments will move in phases beginning late winter 2025. Because services may change locations during the transition, residents are encouraged to call or email to confirm locations before visiting.
It's still early in the process. City Council has approved a letter of intent to begin negotiations with the Mid-Continent Public Library (MCPL) regarding the City Hall site.
MCPL has expressed interest in purchasing the property and redeveloping it as a new administrative headquarters for about 150 employees. Early concepts include office space along with public-oriented features, including a community meeting room and an outdoor plaza. No final decisions have been made.
You can view the City Council Study Session here and the MCPL Site Study presentation here.
Most public meetings, including those of the City Council and Planning Commission, will eventually be held on the 1st floor of the Independence Municipal Commons.
A new Council Chambers is currently under construction. Until it opens, most public meetings will be held at City Hall (111 E. Maple Avenue) or the Independence Utilities Center (17221 E. 23rd St. S).
Municipal Court will relocate to the current Independence Police Department Headquarters on Memorial Drive after some police units move to Independence Utilities Center in early 2026 (See question below for more information). Construction is underway.
Until that space opens, Municipal Court will continue operating at City Hall (111 E. Maple Ave.).
Utilities staff will move to Independence Municipal Commons in early 2026.
After the move, the IUC building (17221 E. 23rd St. S.) will be converted into office space for the Independence Police Department.
The renovation was approved by City Council in January 2025 and funded before the 2025 General Obligation Bond. The $5M project is funded through Marijuana Sales Tax revenues.
Question 1 of the 2025 General Obligation Bond proposed the creation of an Independence Justice Center campus on land adjacent to the current IUC building. The proposal included space for police training, Municipal Court, and City Detention, K-9, and Special Operations units, and was designed to connect with planned renovations to police office space at the renovated IUC building. Voters did not approve GO Bond funding for the additional phases of the Justice Center.
Until early 2026, customers should continue using the Independence Utilities Center to pay in person or drop off.
Once Utilities moves, payment options will include:
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Phone - (816) 325-SERV
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Kiosks outside the Independence Municipal Commons building at the walk-up pagoda
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In-person at the Utilities Customer Service counter on the first floor of Independence Municipal Commons
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Mail
City of Independence
PO Box 219362
Kansas City, MO 64121-9362
Independence Municipal Commons