From the new and improved street car to construction sites and renovation, Kansas City is finding new ways to connect residents and reshape their lifestyles.
The streetcar extension, one of Kansas City’s most anticipated developments, has been set to open this year, coining the phrase “ready to ride by 2025.” Originally running on Main Street from City Market to Union Station, the Main Street route will be extended to UMKC.
The track is 100 percent finished, and the overall construction process is 98 percent complete. To many Kansas Citians, this may come as a huge relief because of the current Main Street traffic and confusing cones directing it. The project’s cost also was another controversary in the community, totaling $351 million. Nonetheless, the streetcar provides transport and connection to anyone wanting to enjoy the city.
The UMKC streetcar may draw even more passengers because of a new development: the Epperson house. This elegant mansion on 52nd and Cherry is set to be a luxury hotel, plans which were proposed all the way back in 2021.
From being a haunted conservatory for UMKC musicians to being the home of insurance tycoon Uriah Epperson, this building has lived many lives. While preserving the house’s historic wood and stone work, the hotel will include a spa, café, restaurant and event space.
For people who are more inclined to the west side of the city, there are many developments underway in Kansas, as well.
In Prairie Village, a new Henhouse is finally taking stage on 71st and Mission, where the colossal Macy’s once stood; construction officially started on January 12.
In Kansas City, Kansas, the world’s first entertainment bridge over a river is opening called the Rock Island Bridge. This project is not just renewing the infrastructure of a bridge over the Kansas (Kaw) River; it will house restaurants, event spaces and public facilities.
Originally a railroad bridge in the stockyards of Kansas City, the bridge’s makeover is in the perfect area for foot traffic, being right by Hy-Vee Arena and offering river activity amenities. In terms of money, because this project is so big, private sponsors, corporations and government partners have teamed up to make sure the project is done by this year.
Along with hiking along the Kansas River by the Rock Island Bridge, another way to get fresh air is the Greenline KC Project. This proposal is a 10-mile loop of trails around the urban areas of Kansas City. The pathway will start at Kaw Point and go through areas like Union Station, the East Bottoms. Modeling projects like the Highline New York and the Underline Miami, Greenline KC intends to promote cross cultural connection and inter-city appreciation.
In addition, the KC Jazz District is actively preparing for expansion as construction is expected to start later this year. The first phase of this project is upgrading to a 470-space parking garage. The garage will offer visitor parking for the cultural hub and tie into public transit networks. This upcoming step is one of many broader projects to expand the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and Jazz District. New retail, housing and entertainment is also expected in the 18th and Vine district. Ultimately, these updates will provide a new sense of security, walkability and accessibility to the historic neighborhood.
The Power and Light District is also seeking new developments through new eateries, expanded seating areas and improved lighting and heating. Restaurants like Homegrown and Modern Market are supposed to open later this year.
An alternative event space to Power and Light downtown will be the Barry Allis Plaza, a redevelopment project that will replace the existing Auditorium Parking Garage as a public park. The project will be a space for dogs, children and adults, establishing community in the heart of the city.
