KC Streetcar corridor transforms downtown Kansas City in 2025

Downtown Kansas City is changing rapidly along the KC Streetcar corridor. Developments like CPKC Stadium highlights how major attractions are opening near the streetcar extension. Renovations for the Power & Light District and the coming Four Light tower are adding entertainment and hundreds of apartments.

The riverfront is also evolving with more housing, retail and a pedestrian-friendly promenade. Projects like the Main Street extension and revamped Aladdin Hotel show city leaders are focused on transit-oriented, mixed-use growth.

A view from the northwest corner of the KC Current’s new CPKC Stadium. By Emily Curiel

NO. 1: 2 OF THE ‘WORLD’S GREATEST PLACES’ ARE IN KANSAS CITY, TIME MAGAZINE SAYS. HERE’S WHERE

The attractions opened within the same week in 2024 and received global fanfare. | Published July 25, 2024 | Read Full Story by Joseph Hernandez

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. 2: 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

Fans crowded into the KC Live! Block in the Power & Light District Sunday to watch the Super Bowl. By Noelle Alviz-Gransee - The Kansas City Star

NO. 3: KC’S POWER & LIGHT DISTRICT WILL GET A $10 MILLION MAKEOVER BY SPRING. WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

Construction is underway and should be done before the men’s Big 12 tournament in March. | Published November 14, 2024 | Read Full Story by Chris Higgins

The 1800 block of McGee Street pictured in 2017 as part of a Missouri State Parks historic survey. The structure at 1824-32 McGee Street is now set to be demolished after redevelopment were previously announced.

NO. 4: A CROSSROADS BUILDING WAS SUPPOSED TO BE REDEVELOPED. NOW, IT WILL BE DEMOLISHED

The city issued permits to demolish 1824/1832 McGee Street, part of a historic row of buildings with ties to the automotive industry. | Published December 30, 2024 | Read Full Story by Chris Higgins

Three Light Luxury Apartments is open and the first tenants are moving into the 25-story residential building in downtown Kansas City.

NO. 5: KC BEGRUDGINGLY APPROVES FOUR LIGHT HIGH RISE PLAN — INCLUDING $17 MILLION PARKING GARAGE

Some Kansas City Council members said they had no choice but to green light the plan because of agreements past officials made with Cordish on incentives. | Published January 10, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chris Higgins

A rendering of future redevelopment along the Missouri River, which will add new apartments, businesses and amenities near the KC Current stadium.

NO. 6: KC’S RIVERFRONT TO TRANSFORM INTO NEIGHBORHOOD WITH NEW APARTMENTS, RESTAURANTS. HERE’S WHEN

The first phase of development will include a new plaza, a riverfront promenade, about 430 new apartment units in two buildings and 48,000 square feet of retail space. | Published March 26, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chris Higgins

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.