KC Jazz District prepares for more traffic ahead of museum expansion with added parking
A new parking garage with hundreds of spaces is planned for the 18th & Vine Jazz District as development continues in the historic Kansas City neighborhood.
Development firm Grayson Capital announced in a news release that the company is partnering with the city to build a 470-space parking garage at 1819 Lydia Ave. on what is currently a surface parking lot. The garage will be funded through $20 million in bond funds, according to city documents.
The garage, which will offer visitor parking for the cultural hub and tie into the public transit network, is currently in the design phase and will be owned and managed by the city after construction. Construction is expected to begin later this year and be finished in time for the FIFA World Cup in summer 2026.
“Kansas City is proud to enhance the 18th & Vine Jazz District, promoting its growth and preserving its legacy as a premier cultural, entertainment, and housing district for generations to come,” Mayor Quinton Lucas said in a statement. “Working with the Grayson Capital team, the City looks forward to building the infrastructure in parking and walkability to support thousands of residents and visitors for future developments in the Jazz District.”
The plans for the garage come as work continues on other projects to bring new housing, retail and entertainment to the 18th & Vine District. It’s the first phase of a broader project to expand the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum with a new campus and a hotel.
“I am excited to continue to see the development of the Historic 18th & Vine Jazz District,” Melissa Robinson, city council member for the Third District, said in a statement. “The construction of parking enhancements will increase walkability, safety and accessibility to Kansas City’s most treasured culture, businesses and historic neighborhood. This public private partnership with Grayson Capital continues to build momentum for the district to reach its full economic potential.”
A commercial garage on the site was demolished in 2017.