Economic Opportunity
Port KC Approves $1B in Projects From the River to Waldo
Port KC has approved more than $1 billion in projects stretching from the new KC Current stadium on the the Missouri River to the Country Club Plaza and Waldo.
Historic Troost Safeway Slated to be Renovated for Small Businesses
By Kevin Collison A decrepit building on Troost that was one of the first modern Safeway supermarkets built in the 1940s would be renovated into space for small businesses under a plan being pursued by veteran urban developer Butch Rigby. Rigby, who’s experience includes renovating several buildings along East 63rd Street between Oak and Troost,…
Plaza Restaurant Project Served Big Day, Expects Summer 2026 Opening
By Kevin Collison The Cocina47 restaurant project at the Plaza had a big day Wednesday, winning support from City Hall and Port KC, and converting a former staunch critic into an ally and indirect partner. The plan for a three-story building at 47th and Pennsylvania at the Country Club Plaza was unanimously endorsed by the…
Cocina47 Restaurant Project Back in Play at Plaza
By Kevin Collison Cocina47 is back, and this time the restaurant development proposed for 47th and Pennsylvania has returned to its original vision as a three-story project, shedding the controversial six additional levels of condos. Developer Matt Pennington presented his plan to the Port KC development committee Monday. He is seeking tax incentives to help…
Cocina47 Restaurant Development Back in Play at Plaza
The Cocina47 development has returned to a three-story plan, shedding six additional levels of condos that had sparked controversy on the Country Club Plaza.
Small Businesses Shocked by Low NFL Draft Sales, Now Wary of World Cup
A massive surge in visitors and foot traffic as Kansas City hosted its first NFL Draft failed to generate sales for small businesses outside the event grounds.
Late Summer Opening Anticipated for Strang Food Hall at Plaza
By Kevin Collison The new Strang Chef Collective food hall planned for the Cascade Hotel being just north of the Country Club Plaza is considered by its operator a “bullish” vote of confidence in the venerable shopping district. “We’ve always targeted the Plaza as an opportunity to bring our chef-driven concept,” said Shawn Craft, CEO…
Puttery, ‘Uniquely Themed’ Miniature Golf, Rolling into Plaza
(Editor’s note: This article originally was published March 14, 2022. Construction has begun on the project and a Fall opening is anticipated.) By Kevin Collison Puttery, an “immersive” entertainment concept that adds cocktails, technology and food to the classic miniature golf game is coming to the Country Club Plaza, a much-needed addition to the Plaza…
Aloft Hotel Opens at Plaza; Strang Food Hall Coming Next Door
By Kevin Collison The new Aloft hotel has opened on the north edge of the Country Club Plaza, bringing a contemporary vibe to the venerable shopping district that includes a spacious “re-mix” lobby anchored by the WXYZ Bar. “We very much believe in the unique environment of the Plaza, the experience is unlike anything else…
Plaza Area Council Now Official, Plans to Boost District’s Next Century
By Kevin Collison A new civic effort to shepherd the Country Club Plaza and environs into its second 100 years has organized as a nonprofit, and plans to hire staff and begin pursuing its goals by the end of the year. What’s called the Plaza Area Council intends to be an umbrella organization for looking…