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Twelve game-changing projects defining Kansas City’s economic future

Stories by Kansas City Star journalists, with AI summarization

Kansas City is bursting with bold projects that are reshaping its future. This list of stories outlines new developments in housing, entertainment, and infrastructure that are turning ideas into action.

Check out the tropical Margaritaville resort rising from the ashes of a shuttered water park in KCK, and the Aladdin Hotel’s transformation into downtown apartments connected to the streetcar line. Don’t miss the energy surging from Bluhawk’s massive sports complex in Overland Park and the Midtown Station plan set to bring thousands of homes and a solar-powered community to an old mall site. These developments are rewriting the city’s skyline and inviting people to live, play, and invest right here in Kansas City.

Construction workers prepare to lift a final wall panel by crane during a ceremony on Wednesday, May 8, at the site of the under-construction Margaritaville Hotel in western Kansas City, Kansas. By Bill Lukitsch

NO. 1: READY TO WASTE AWAY IN A MIDWEST MARGARITAVILLE? KCK RESORT HITS CONSTRUCTION BENCHMARK

Developers expect to begin welcoming guests to the new hotel in summer 2025. | Published May 8, 2024 | Read Full Story by Bill Lukitsch

Mr. Wings sells buffalo chicken wings, shrimp and more. By Jenna Thompson

NO. 2: NEW WINGS RESTAURANT OPENING IN JOHNSON COUNTY: THAI CHILI, MANGO HABANERO, SHRIMP

This chicken wing business is closing its carryout location in Kansas City and instead opening this restaurant in Johnson County. | Published May 15, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jenna Thompson

Here’s a rendering showing the concept of what a new domed stadium for the Kansas City Chiefs might look like at the interchange of Interstates 70 and 435 in Kansas City, Kansas.

NO. 3: ‘LEAP OF FAITH’: KANSAS LAWMAKERS PASS PLAN TO WIN CHIEFS, ROYALS WITH BONDS FOR STADIUMS

The plan to lure the teams from Missouri involves billions in bonds to finance new stadiums. | Published June 18, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jonathan Shorman

AdventHealth Sports Park at Bluhawk, the new sports facility and family entertainment center, was under construction in July. Now it’s set to open in October. By Tammy Ljungblad

NO. 4: YOUTH SPORTS MECCA, WITH HOCKEY AND ZIP LINES, TO OPEN IN OVERLAND PARK THIS FALL

As the sports center is set to open, developers are in talks with the city to issue a second round of Kansas STAR bonds to fund more work. | Published July 11, 2024 | Read Full Story by Sarah Ritter

A Chick Trio which comes with a side is one menu option at Chicken Salad Chick.

NO. 5: CHICKEN SALAD CHAIN BRINGING 5 RESTAURANTS TO THE KANSAS CITY AREA, 3 IN JOHNSON COUNTY

“It’s always so fresh,” said the franchisee. | Published September 23, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jenna Thompson

The Bacon Steakhouse Double Whatameal at Whataburger. By Nicole Truly, Whataburger

NO. 6: ANOTHER WHATABURGER HAS OPENED IN THE KANSAS CITY AREA. HERE ARE THE DETAILS

The national fast-food chain is averaging one new restaurant opening per week. | Published September 26, 2024 | Read Full Story by David Hudnall

Hyper Energy Bar has several locations in Iowa. Soon, it’ll be coming to KC.

NO. 7: THIS ENERGY DRINK DRIVE-THRU CHAIN IS COMING TO KC MARKET, STARTING WITH JOHNSON COUNTY

The owners said the concept will “grow quickly in the metro.” | Published October 23, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jenna Thompson

Raymond Mabion, Ray Mabion II, and Mayor Quinton Lucas pose for a photograph at the groundbreaking for a new multi-unit affordable housing development in Kansas City, MO on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024. The development is named after Mabion in honor of the work he’s done in the community. By Dominick Williams

NO. 8: KC BREAKS GROUND ON NEW AFFORDABLE APARTMENTS OFF TROOST NAMED FOR NEIGHBORHOOD PASTOR

The Mabion will offer 57 units of affordable housing with one to three bedrooms, including 11 units set aside for families struggling with homelessness. | Published October 24, 2024 | Read Full Story by Chris Higgins

An aerial view of construction along the Kansas City Streetcar’s southern extension is seen near the intersection of Main Street and Westport Road on Dec. 13, 2023. Major construction for the extension is expected to wrap up by the end of 2024.

NO. 9: HUNDREDS OF NEW APARTMENTS PLANNED NEAR KC STREETCAR LINE SCORE TAX BREAKS. WHAT WE KNOW

Over 400 units could be ready in 2027. | Published October 29, 2024 | Read Full Story by Chris Higgins

A proposed redevelopment of the former Indian Springs Mall site in Kansas City, Kansas, would include a mix of housing, retail, hotel space and other amenities. The Unified Government is entering a stage of negotiations with a group led by local firm Eastside Innovation in November, according to the county administrator.

NO. 10: LONG-DORMANT KCK MALL SITE COULD SEE NEW LIFE WITH RIVER MARKET-INSPIRED DEVELOPMENT

Nearly 1,500 apartments, retail space, a hotel and a solar grid are envisioned at the site of the defunct Indian Springs Mall. | Published November 8, 2024 | Read Full Story by Bill Lukitsch

A rendering of the planned new parking garage in the 18th & Vine Jazz District. The garage is part of a planned expansion of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.

NO. 11: KC JAZZ DISTRICT PREPARES FOR MORE TRAFFIC AHEAD OF MUSEUM EXPANSION WITH ADDED PARKING

The 470-space garage is the first phase of the coming developments from the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. | Published February 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chris Higgins

Customers order from Paco’s Tacos, a food truck at 18th Street and Central Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas. By Emily Curiel

NO. 12: GOOD NEWS FOR FOOD TRUCKS IN KCK: THIS POPULAR CORNER IS BACK OPEN FOR BUSINESS

What was once a humming food-truck scene was shut down by the local government in December. | Published February 28, 2025 | Read Full Story by David Hudnall

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.