KC jazz district’s glow-up continues with changes to make area more walkable

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to remove a reference to an element that is no longer part of the project.

Another project to remake the 18th and Vine Jazz District in Kansas City for residents and visitors is about to begin.

The Kansas City Council’s neighborhood committee voted to accept a federal grant for the planned pedestrian mall project along 18th Street from The Paseo to Woodland Avenue in the heart of the historic neighborhood.

The curbs and street parking will be removed to create a more seamless path for pedestrians while adding lighting, landscaping, seating and new pavement, opening up space for events.

Water main infrastructure will be replaced. A new parking garage that will add nearly 500 parking spaces is also under construction in the district.

The $8 million project will be funded through the $4 million federal grant, dollars for public improvements, surplus tax increment funding and funding from the water services department.

Pending City Council approval, construction could begin in May and be finished by April 2026.

Other plans for redevelopment in the 18th and Vine area include the rebuilding of the Parade Parks Homes with hundreds of new apartments, including affordable units, which could begin this summer; new affordable apartments on vacant properties and a restoration of the House of Hits building; and plans to expand the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum with a new campus and hotel.

This story was originally published April 16, 2025 at 6:00 AM.