A new Master Planned Development (MPD) proposal has been submitted for the Country Club Plaza, outlining design standards and development expectations for future construction, public spaces, and building renovations within the district. The document reaffirms the Plaza’s historic identity, referencing its origins in the 1920s and its recognized significance as a “regional, if not national treasure.”

As noted in the KCBJ:
“Gillon’s MPD submission shows five of the Plaza’s 15 blocks that could support commercial development, in addition to Seville West, once slated for a Nordstrom store and last month given height clearance for a future tower up to 275 feet. The five additional sites, too, call for greater height allowances than the 45-foot cap codified in 2016 around much of the Plaza — two for new construction up to 150 feet and three for up to 200 feet. The City Plan Commission is scheduled to review the Plaza’s MPD request on Dec. 3. With city approval, Bullard said Gillon would look to start work on initial improvements, such as re-striping and adding landscaping along Nichols. The developer also anticipates seeking tax increment financing as a public funding source for significant underground infrastructure upgrades. Phasing for those improvements is not yet finalized, and Bullard said work will inform where Gillon pursues its first vertical projects and building renovations.”

The plan builds on the Midtown/Plaza Area Plan adopted in 2016 and is intended to guide future improvements while maintaining architectural character and enhancing the public realm. The proposed guidelines place a strong focus on walkability and pedestrian comfort, calling for wider sidewalks, pedestrian-friendly lighting, outdoor seating, and improved bike and transit connections.

The plan also outlines street typologies across the Plaza, including options for curbless streets, traffic calming tools, and mobility hubs, alongside updated standards for landscaping, public furnishings, and wayfinding.

Architectural guidelines within the MPD emphasize the Plaza’s Spanish-Mediterranean design roots, requiring primary façades to feature materials such as stucco, brick, tile, stone, and clay roof tiles. Standards are also established for ground-floor transparency on primary streets, with at least 60% transparency required at the first level and 40% at the second to support an active street experience.

Additional components of the plan address signage, lighting, awnings, and parking. The proposed standards are now under review with the City of Kansas City and will move through a public process before any adoption or implementation. You can see the full proposal here.