The Plaza District continues to be an exciting and evolving place, with new businesses, transportation growth, development discussions, and community priorities all shaping the district’s momentum.

Business Openings/Closings

Several new businesses have opened in the Plaza District, adding fresh retail, culture, and shopping options for residents and visitors alike:

• Beloved! Boutique

• Perch

• The Current Shop

• Prize Home + Garden

• Sea Capitan - South Plaza

• Mildred’s Cafe - South Plaza

• West Plaza Bodega by Blackhole Bakery

• Plaza Provisions Food Hall

• Martin City Tavern - South Plaza

• New York Butcher Shoppe & Wine Bar- South Plaza

And there’s more to look forward to in 2026 with a wave of new openings scheduled - including J.H. & Sons, Vertice Italian, Alo, Mersea, Veronica Beard, and Love Shack Fancy.

The Country Club Plaza will also welcome KC House, a World Cup 2026 hospitality and business venue. Designed to be a world-class space for global leaders, civic partners, business executives, sponsors, and VIP guests during the FIFA World Cup, it will serve as a place to host meetings, networking, cultural experiences, and brand presentations.

We were sad to see businesses like Season’s 52, Madewell, Beauty Brands, Casper, Nickel & Suede, Johnny Was, Three Dog Bakery, Razzleberry, Casper, and more leave the district in recent months.

Ridership Soars on RideKC Streetcar After Extension

The KC Streetcar Main Street Extension, which now connects the River Market through Midtown, The Country Club Plaza, and UMKC, has dramatically increased usage. In November, ridership more than double. The streetcar now accounts for roughly 30% of transit ridership in the region.

This boost shows how vital transit links are to connecting people to the Plaza’s shopping, dining, and entertainment destinations while supporting broader regional mobility.

Major Office Relocation: Lockton to Move to Leawood

In a significant development for the Country Club Plaza’s employment landscape, Lockton - one of the largest employers on the Plaza - announced plans to relocate its global headquarters to Leawood, Kansas as part of a larger mixed-use development (Hallbrook North). Lockton plans to begin work on its new Leawood campus in 2026 with a targeted move in 2030.

Country Club Plaza Redevelopment & Planning Discussions

A major ongoing conversation in the Plaza District is the Country Club Plaza redevelopment planning process. Recently, the City Planning Commission voted to advance a Master Planned Development (MPD) framework for the Plaza - setting the stage for future redevelopment as guided by the district’s new owners, Gillon Property Group. The MPD now moves to the City Council for review, with public hearings expected in 2026.

Infrastructure Committee Update: Planning for the Plaza District’s Future

The Plaza District Council’s Infrastructure Committee continues to focus on near and long-term projects that support safety, accessibility, and a high-quality public realm throughout the district. The committee works closely with City partners and stakeholders to track active projects, elevate priorities, and advocate for thoughtful implementation that reflects the Plaza District’s unique character.

Below is a snapshot of the Infrastructure Committee’s current focus areas and upcoming initiatives:

Wornall Road Bridge Completion: With an estimated completion date of May 1, 2026., we are closely monitoring finishing elements to ensure the project is completed thoughtfully and safely.

City Wayfinding Signage: We are coordinating and tracking the City’s wayfinding signage project to ensure Plaza District destinations and routes are clearly and accurately represented.

Wornall Road- Plaza to Loose Park Shared-Use Sidewalk: This project aims to improve pedestrian and multi-modal connections between the Plaza and Loose Park.

Additional Lighting South of Plaza Tennis Courts: We will be submitting a request for additional lighting along the new sidewalk south of the tennis courts to better serve streetcar passengers and improve nighttime visibility.

Roanoke Bridge Repairs: Advocacy efforts are underway to move the repair of the Roanoke Bridge up as a City priority, recognizing its importance to connectivity and safety in the district.

HAWK Signal at Sister City Bridge: Based on the traffic counts, the intersection meets the warrants for Pedestrian signal and a PIAC request has been submitted for funding.

Ward Prkwy Two-Way Street Project: We are working to identify a start date for the two-way street project in front of the library. The project is fully funded and agreed upon, and timing coordination will be the next key step.