Economic Opportunity

Mayor: Likely Plaza Owners Want Housing, Better Security and Diverse Retail

By Kevin Collison The prospective new owners of the Country Club Plaza envision adding housing, an upscale hotel, diverse retailers and better security as part of their formula for returning the area to its glory days, according to Mayor Quinton Lucas. Lucas and top city officials traveled to Dallas Tuesday to meet with Ray Washburne…

Read More >

Big Third and Grand Apartment Project On Track for Late Winter Start

By Kevin Collison Work is expected to begin by late winter on a 246-unit apartment project located on a public parking lot at Third and Grand, a site that’s been targeted by the KCATA for development since 2015. Bill Crandall of CBC Real Estate Group, a partner in the $60 million venture, described the project…

Read More >
Cannabis edibles.

Legal Fights Brew Over Missouri Cannabis Sales Tax Rules

Under the Missouri Constitution, local governments can impose cannabis sales taxes. But how those taxes can be applied is still up for debate.

Read More >

Likely Plaza Owner Envisions ‘European Village’ Experience

By Kevin Collison The new Plaza District Council hosted its public debut last week, and Kate Marshall, one of its founders, saved the most illuminating news for last. For the first time, Ray Washburne, the prospective owner of the Country Club Plaza, outlined some of his ideas for reinvigorating the 100-year old civic landmark via…

Read More >
An aerial view of the Country Club Plaza area.

Plaza District Council Makes Case for Country Club Plaza

The Plaza District Council used its first public event to make the case for the importance of the Country Club Plaza and the surrounding area.

Read More >
A bird's eye view of the Country Club Plaza on a clear day.

The Future of the Country Club Plaza

The Kansas City PBS documentary “Nichols’ Folly: A Century of the Country Club Plaza” explores the complicated history behind the nation’s first planned suburban shopping center. This month, “Flatland in Focus” examines the future of the Country Club Plaza and what changes are in store as new ownership is poised to begin the next chapter for…

Read More >

Streetcar, More Housing, May Offer Better Future for Country Club Plaza

By Kevin Collison More people coming to the Country Club Plaza, whether arriving on the new streetcar extension or walking from big apartment projects in the works, are considered critical to the district’s success moving forward. “We think we’ll be driving thousands of people to that district on a daily basis and someday maybe tens…

Read More >
Historic high-rise apartments along the south side of Brush Creek next to the Country Club Plaza.

Streetcar, More Housing May Help the Country Club Plaza

The KC Streetcar extension and development of more high-rise housing are widely seen as keys for supporting the Country Club Plaza.

Read More >
A lone security guard, part of The Country Club Plaza's private crew, can often be seen walking in the area. The neon portion of the guard's uniform alerts shoppers.

Fearful of Crime on the Country Club Plaza? Check Your Car

Conversations about the Country Club Plaza often turn to perceptions of personal safety and crime. Those perceptions aren’t always accurate.

Read More >
A worker carries a clearance sale sign on the Country Club Plaza.

Country Club Plaza Confronted with Dozens of Vacant Shops

Prospective new owners of the Country Club Plaza would be buying an iconic shopping district with dozens of vacancies. Some see open spaces as opportunities.

Read More >

Local Storytelling. Fact-Based Reporting. Trustworthy Sources.

Help support the nonprofit media landscape in Kansas City and provide a platform for underrepresented voices across the region.