Construction has begun on three new retail buildings at The Crossing at KU, soon to bring three dining options to the development.
The Crossing is a mixed-use development on KU’s west campus.
Out of six retail slots, three tenants have been confirmed for the new buildings near Becker Drive and Iowa Street: CAVA, Playa Bowls and Jersey Mike’s Subs.
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CAVA is a new concept to Lawrence and features Mediterranean and Greek-inspired cuisine. The restaurant offers salad and grain bowls as well as pita wraps in a variety of different flavors along with fresh hummus.
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Playa Bowls, also new to Lawrence, will feature açaí and pitaya bowls, along with smoothies and juices.
J Taylor, assistant vice president of property at KU Endowment, said negotiations are underway on a lease for another site near Olive Garden, and that additional projects are moving forward.
“We’re excited to welcome these new tenants to The Crossing @ KU,” Taylor said in an email. “Each new business is another milestone as we continue bringing our vision for the district to life.”
As the site is part of a community improvement district, there will be an additional 1.5% sales tax for everything purchased there for about two decades.
The Lawrence City Commission also voted July 7 to begin a review of a request for tax breaks for a proposed multifamily project at the Crossing, which would add about 341 residential units. The item was included on the consent agenda.
The project aims to create a walkable destination that connects KU, the Innovation Park and surrounding neighborhoods while adding new amenities for students, employees, residents and visitors, Taylor said.
“Every lease is another vote of confidence in Lawrence, KU and the vision for The Crossing,” he said.
Taylor said he anticipates the tenants will likely plan to open next summer, in time for school to start in August.
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Courtney Lane (she/her), staff reporter, has worked with The Lawrence Times since April 2026. She can be reached at [email protected].
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