Big news broke last week: The Country Club Plaza is officially under new ownership. But before we dive into the new, let’s take a look at the old — here’s a walk down memory lane, and the Plaza’s past ownership.
1922-1998: J.C. Nichols
One of Kansas City’s most influential figures, J.C. Nichols was the man responsible for building our beloved shopping center.
Designed to compliment the Country Club Plaza neighborhood (which Nichols also built), construction began in 1922 with its first store opening the following year.
The Plaza was:
- The first shopping center built for cars.
- The first outdoor shopping center in America.
- Modeled after sister city Seville. DYK: the Giralda tower is an exact one-half scaled replica of its Spanish twin.
Among its first tenants were hat shops, gas stations, car dealerships, and even a grocery store. Some of the most iconic places during the Nichols reign were Swanson’s, Halls, and Sears.
1998-2016: Highwoods Properties
In 1998, The J.C. Nichols Company decided to shake things up and merge with North Carolina’s Highwoods Properties. During Highwoods’ reign, the Plaza went through several large store changes, including saying hello and goodbye to a Tesla showroom.
2016-2024: Taubman Centers and The Macerich Company
After 18 years of ownership, Highwoods Properties passed the Plaza torch to Taubman Centers + The Macerich Company.
In those seven years, the Plaza added a myriad of national brands, including Johnny Was, Psycho Bunny, and a Nike lifestyle store. They also fostered hometown pride with local businesses like Made in KC, Bruú Café, Razzleberry, and Nickle & Suede.
Looking ahead
Rumblings of new Plaza ownership had echoed through KC streets since last October — and now, the ink is finally dry.
As of Friday, June 28, Dallas-based HP Village Partners are the latest stewards of the century-old shopping center. Exact details have yet to be released, but we’ve got a few ideas of what’s at the top of the retail company’s to-do list.
Concerns over crime + vacant storefronts have plagued the historic district in recent years, and local community leaders say boosted security and beautification are top priorities.
Need help picturing a possible Plaza future? Look no further than Dallas’ Highland Park Village — another HP Village Partners venture. The two shopping centers share a lot in common: not only were they firsts-of-their-kind built around the same time, both are inspired by Spanish architecture.
The new owners are expected to announce the details of the sale and any planned improvements at a press conference later today.
