Kansas City takes key step toward construction of a park over downtown freeway
Kansas City is seeking proposals from contractors who can complete key portions of a downtown park over Interstate 670 before the city hosts the men’s FIFA World Cup soccer tournament in June and July of 2026.
The project includes capping the south freeway loop from Wyandotte Street to Grand Boulevard and building a multi-use park on those 5.5 acres.
“I am excited to review strong and creative proposals reflecting the South Loop Park we all dream of, transforming our downtown and eliminating a long-time barrier to opportunity and community gathering space,” Mayor Quinton Lucas said in a Friday news release announcing that proposals are being sought from construction management and general construction firms.
Proposals are due Oct. 22, and the city intends to give the winning bidder a notice to proceed with the project on Dec.. 13 following City Council approval, according to the 194-page request for proposals.
The roughly $200 million project is being financed with federal, state and local tax dollars along with private donations. The freeway trench was dug in the 1960s, separating downtown from the Crossroads area.
It is patterned after a similar park in Dallas that is a tourist draw and host community events.
