Downtown park over KC’s I-670 one step closer to reality. Construction may start in 2025
A proposed downtown Kansas City park over Interstate 670 is one step closer to becoming reality with a large new cash grant in hand.
Thursday, the Kansas City City Council approved a construction management contract with JE Dunn and Clarkson Construction to begin pre-construction planning for the future South Loop Park project, which would cap the highway from Wyandotte Street to Grand Boulevard and place a multi-use park on top, connecting downtown and the rest of the city to the south.
The city also announced on Thursday that the Missouri Department of Transportation awarded $31.4 million for the project through its cost share program. That money will help repair aging infrastructure along Interstate 670, including upgrades to retaining walls, pavement and the Walnut Street Bridge.
There will also be $0 in fees paid by the city to JE Dunn and Clarkson for pre-construction services due to the structure of the contract. The council also approved a $450,000 contract with ProjectFirst, LLC for additional services, to be covered by funds raised by the Downtown Council.
The South Loop Park could feature playgrounds, entertainment venues, gardens, pop-up markets and more.
Construction could begin in early 2025, according to a city news release, with further details to be announced. Officials are now working on finalizing the budget, designs and construction timeline.
“This project highlights how public-private partnerships can work to create something special for our community,” council member Crispin Rea said in a statement. “The South Loop Park will provide a new destination for families. At the same time, the improvements to I-670 will create a safer, more accessible downtown corridor for all.”
The South Loop park is estimated to cost over $200 million, and various local leaders involved with the project continue to raise funds. By early August, about $110 million was on hand through a mix of federal, state, local and private funding.
Officials are also working to secure a $65 million federal loan by March 2025.