Modern Society Adds Stylish Retail Option to Crossroads

By Kevin Collison

The fledgling Crossroads retail scene–and downtown in general–is gaining a stylish clothing shop with the opening of Modern Society on the ground level of the new ARTerra apartment tower.

“This is the demographic for us, the young professionals,” said co-owner Bryan Pena. “It’s a close community with a lot of apartments, including above us.”

His wife and co-owner Andrea Pena added, “We want to be the shop for this area. There are places for coffee and eating, but not shopping in the downtown area.

“We have a good mix from casual wear to something for a special event.”

This is the couple’s third Modern Society. They opened their first in Springfield in 2011 and the second in the Leawood Town Center in spring 2018. Bryan grew up in the KC area and met Andrea in Springfield.

The couple still make their home in Springfield and commute regularly, sometimes staying in a guest room in ARTerra

The apartment building, which opened earlier this year, was co-developed by Copaken Brooks and it was Erin Johnston, vice president of retail brokerage for the firm, that introduced the couple to their new shop space.

The men’s and women’s clothing and accessories at Modern Society are geared toward professionals, both young and older.

“We loved it,” Bryan said. “The location was more on the west side of the Crossroads which to us is a higher end area.”

She continued, “The size worked for us too, we didn’t believe we needed a giant space.”

The 1,369 square-foot shop is in a retail bay along the east side of the ARTerra building located at 2100 Wyandotte.

It’s enough room for the Penas to display the men’s and women’s clothing and accessories, and to give customers the personal attention they believe is essential to their business model.

“We’re all about being with our customers one-on-one with custom fittings and style sessions,” he said.

“People who want the experience of a high-end shop but without the high price tag.”

As part of the Crossroads vibe, Modern Society intends to host rotating exhibits featuring local artists. It also wants to actively participate in First Fridays. The shop had its soft opening at the September First Friday.

A grand opening event is scheduled for Oct. 19. Regular hours are Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.