With its blend of retail shops, condos and office space, Leawood's Mission Farms development is a perfect example of suburban New Urbanism — it actually promotes itself as an "exciting urban development," even though it's as suburban as it can get without being south of Interstate 435. Johnson Countians used to have to drive all the way to midtown to eat at Blue Koi, Room 39 or Blanc Burgers + Bottles, but not anymore. The Mission Farms Blue Koi is a replica of the 39th Street original, and the Blanc is a close approximation of the one in Westport. Natasha's Mulberry and Mott, the pastry shop that also originated on 39th Street, moved to Mission Farms last November. And Imagery, a Westport staple for more than two decades, now enjoys a brighter, more open space to shop for sunglasses and earrings, and high-end jeans and T-shirts. Condo buyers can enjoy hanging out on their balconies without having to deal with the Westport riffraff. And there are plenty of spaces available with views of the peaceful pond. Instead of smelly dreadlocked trustafarians, patrons only have to deal with the geese. At press time, a sign advertised the perfect site for a free-standing restaurant — hello, Westport Flea Market!
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