Kansas City Council approves $7 million for improvements at 18th & Vine

Months of fierce debate culminated Thursday with the Kansas City Council unanimously approving $7 million for a new phase of improvements in the historic 18th & Vine Jazz District.

The decision marked a significant reduction from an earlier proposal to spend as much as $27.6 million over the next three years to help 18th & Vine reach its full potential.

But the approval gives the district a shot of adrenaline and holds out the possibility of much more public funding in two future phases.

“18th & Vine is a premier destination location that helps put Kansas City, Mo., on the map internationally,” said 3rd District Councilman Jermaine Reed, the prime mover behind the city funding plan.

He said the projected phases of city investment should help “stimulate the private development needed to revitalize the district and also continue the momentum.”

The $7 million in capital improvement sales tax dollars is reminiscent of the original proposal for 18th & Vine improvements that Reed floated in December.

The wish list grew after that, and in April, Reed and City Manager Troy Schulte championed a plan to spend $27.6 million over the next three years to try — once and for all — to help 18th & Vine emerge from the doldrums and achieve the vibrancy that has been an elusive goal since revitalization efforts started in 1990.

Reed last week recommended spending $11 million or $12 million in the first phase and a total of $27.6 million through two additional bond issuances.

But skeptics on the council questioned whether that money would really complete the revitalization job. They also wondered why the city wasn’t seeking more private investment first. When it was clear Reed didn’t have majority council support last week, he asked for more time to negotiate.

Earlier this week, most of the 13 council members said they could support spending $7 million to help 18th & Vine. Future bond funds also will be possible, but only after the city pushes harder for private investment and other sources like new markets tax credits.

The $7 million allows the city to acquire all the remaining property that had not been under city control, except the Lincoln Building, the Mutual Musicians Foundation and the Kansas City Call newspaper property. It also allows the city to shore up historic buildings, like the Boone Theater, without which the district’s historic status could be jeopardized.

The latest plan also calls for the city to hire an experienced property management company with a good track record in marketing, tenant mix, special events and redevelopment to maximize the district’s commercial potential. The property would also have more oversight from an appointed citizens committee, similar to the supervision for City Market.

U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, a Democrat from Kansas City who has advocated for 18th & Vine improvements, issued a statement after Thursday’s vote:

“This vote is an example of leadership and civility among our elected officials. While it did result in a smaller phase one, I appreciate the Kansas City Council’s cooperation and commitment to the revitalization of 18th and Vine. I am optimistic about the future of the area given the City Council’s actions today.”

About $1 million would go for opening and fixing the first floor of the Buck O’Neil Education and Research Center, the former YMCA at 1824 Paseo. That’s down from an earlier plan to provide $4.2 million, although more money could come in future phases.

Bob Kendrick, Negro Leagues Baseball Museum president and a strong supporter of the education center, said the phased funding is acceptable.

“It will allow us to speed up the process so we can actually get the building open and functioning in some capacity,” Kendrick said.

The council pledges to pursue all appropriate federal, state and local financial resources, along with private funding, to complete the ambitious second and third revitalization phases, without spelling out a dollar amount. Reed said that could ultimately add up to $27.6 million.

In other action Thursday, the City Council approved plans for a new hotel at 24th Street and Troost Avenue, intended primarily to serve Children’s Mercy Hospital and other Hospital Hill medical facilities.

Some Beacon Hill neighbors fear a 90-room hotel there could attract a less-than-desirable clientele, but Sunflower Development Group insists the Best Western Plus property will be a neighborhood asset.

The council also approved rezoning to allow a West Bottoms apartment development that’s expected to include units of less than 500 square feet in size.

This story was originally published July 14, 2016 at 4:01 PM with the headline "Kansas City Council approves $7 million for improvements at 18th & Vine."