Drivers have watched the rebirth of the building at 2000 Shawnee Mission Parkway unfold for the last several months as they made their way across State Line Road. Now, Karbank Real Estate Company has purchased a second building along the corridor, the former Layne Christensen building at 1900 Shawnee Mission Parkway.

Layne Christensen announced the move of its corporate headquarters to Houston approximately a year ago.  The building sits at the intersection with State Line Road in Mission Woods and is one of three that front the parkway on the north side. Karbank now owns two of the three in the line.

Earlier this year Karbank bought the 2000 building and began significant renovations which have dramatically changed the exterior look. Chairman Steve Karbank said his firm is planning to move into that building next month, occupying one floor and leasing the remaining space. The renovation includes a partial fourth floor addition.

Karbank said he is “thrilled with the Shawnee Mission Parkway corridor. (We are) very excited to be investing in the area. The Layne building was originally designed as a three-story structure and Karbank said he is exploring the addition of the top floor that was not included during the original 1967 construction. Adding the floor at the 1900 building will be much simpler than it was at the 2000 building, he said.

Currently, the planned use of the 1900 building is commercial office space, but Karbank said “some people have proposed some interesting ideas (for it).” Although Layne had been using it “as is” for a long time, Karbank will make improvements, including replacing the 1960s single pane glass. Restoring some of the original design ideas is also being considered. “Over the years, some elements were covered or changed,” Karbank said, adding that the building was beautiful on the inside.

Drivers will definitely notice the improvements to the 1900 building, he said. “We have spent an enormous amount of time looking at options.”

The Layne building has about 48,000 square feet compared to 38,000 at the 2000 building. Karbank said he was “intrigued by the location.” The area has “not been recognized for what it is and what it can be.” He said working with Mission Woods and Westwood had been a good experience for his company. “People are very welcoming.”

The third, and smaller, building in the row reportedly has been vacant for years and sits between the two Karbank now owns.