KC Streetcar projects spark growth and revitalization in 2025

Major projects are fueling fresh energy along the KC Streetcar line and throughout Kansas City's core. A 25-story mixed-use tower at 800 Grand will add hundreds of apartments and retail, while renovations in the Power & Light District will refresh entertainment options and introduce new concepts like a mocktail bar.

The historic Aladdin Hotel is set for conversion into apartments, and the 18th & Vine District will see new affordable housing alongside the restoration of cultural landmarks like the House of Hits. As the streetcar expands south and north, these developments create more homes, jobs, and venues right by the tracks, helping Kansas City's neighborhoods grow and connect.

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. 1: 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.

NO. 2: 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 Kansas City skyline is seen from Penn Valley Park on Wednesday, May 8, 2024.

NO. 3: WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEW 25-STORY TOWER SET TO JOIN KANSAS CITY’S DOWNTOWN SKYLINE

Construction could begin in 2025 following city approvals. | Published November 21, 2024 | Read Full Story by Chris Higgins

A demolished house is seen at 3419 Jefferson St. on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024, in the Valentine neighborhood of Kansas City.

NO. 4: AS KC HOME DEMOLITIONS CONTINUE, MAYOR SAYS CITY SHOULD TAX VACANT LAND. CAN IT DO THAT?

Officials are studying the idea as the city works on other ways to get empty properties back online. | Published November 25, 2024 | Read Full Story by Chris Higgins

Yum, a bakery at 104 E. 43rd St. in Kansas City, will close its doors in early 2025.

NO. 5: KANSAS CITY BAKERY CLOSING AFTER MORE THAN A DECADE: ‘TOO MANY CONTINUOUS SETBACKS’

The business, located near the streetcar expansion route, said road closures were a factor in its closure. | Published December 30, 2024 | Read Full Story by Jenna Thompson

The KC Streetcar was wrapped for Super Bowl LVII on Friday, Feb. 10, 2023, in Kansas City. By Emily Curiel

NO. 6: KANSAS CITY STREETCAR TO SUSPEND SERVICE AGAIN. HERE’S WHEN AND WHICH ROADS WILL CLOSE

Crews will construct new stops in the River Market. | Published January 23, 2025 | Read Full Story by Eleanor Nash

A map showing four properties Kansas City Life Insurance has proposed to demolish in the Valentine neighborhood.

NO. 7: NEW DETAILS OF REDEVELOPMENT PLANS EMERGE FOR HISTORIC KANSAS CITY NEIGHBORHOOD

Plans for 30 homes in a historic Kansas City neighborhood include building five new colonnades and modern construction materials to keep out noise from traffic. | Published March 4, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chris Higgins

The view looking northwest from the 18th and Vine Historic Jazz District in Kansas City. The area may see a building boom if the Kansas City Royals choose to locate a new stadium near the district. By Tammy Ljungblad

NO. 8: NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING & A HISTORICAL RENOVATION ON THE WAY TO KC’S 18TH & VINE DISTRICT

The historic House of Hits building will be renovated and could become a music entertainment venue. | Published March 20, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chris Higgins

Washington Square Park, north of Crown Center between Union Station and Grand Boulevard, has emerged as another possible site for a downtown stadium for the Kansas City Royals. By File

NO. 9: WHAT’S UP WITH PLANS FOR NEW ROYALS STADIUM? JOCO SITE OFF THE TABLE, KC ONE UP IN THE AIR

As of this week, the possibility of a new ballpark on two sites the Royals had reportedly been eyeing — on either side of the state line — seem less likely. Here’s why. | Published March 25, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chris Higgins

More than two dozen Kansas City businesses and individuals paid to display a massive sign urging the Royals to choose downtown for their new stadium, highlighting Washington Square Park as a top spot.

NO. 10: BUSINESSES PLASTER SIGN ON KC BUILDING, PLEADING FOR ROYALS TO MOVE DOWNTOWN

Efforts intensify in Kansas City to move the Royals downtown, with businesses and leaders advocating for Washington Square Park’s potential as a stadium site. | Published April 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by PJ Green

Construction cones line the Main Street streetcar extension route on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Kansas City. By Emily Curiel

NO. 11: KC STREETCAR EXTENSION WILL OPEN THIS FALL — BUT MAIN STREET WILL BE SMOOTH SOONER

No more dodging cones and traversing metal plates. | Published April 25, 2025 | Read Full Story by Eleanor Nash

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NO. 12: A MOCKTAIL BAR IN POWER & LIGHT? NEW CONCEPT COMING TO THE KC DISTRICT

A new concept with two types of cuisine will serve as a welcoming space to non-drinkers in a bar-heavy area. | Published April 29, 2025 | Read Full Story by Jenna Thompson

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.