Named for a famous hotelier who tended to the likes of Helen Keller, Babe Ruth, and Elvis at the nearby Muehlebach — downtown’s Barney Allis Plaza has become less than star-studded in recent years, but that’s all about to change.
Well underway is a years-long construction process making over the duo park + parking garage in its first facelift since 1985.
Above ground amenities
If you visited the plaza in its later years, you probably remember little else than grass and concrete dappling its above street-level surface. The new and improved iteration promises an “arts-focused greenspace” with usability in mind:
- Two lawns: One sloped, one oval-shaped, perfect for meet-ups and terraced park views.
- Two plazas: A large event space for concerts and festivals, plus a pavilion plaza showcasing art and hosting food trucks.
- Dog park: Dedicated “play mounds” for pups of all sizes.
- Better accessibility: The new park will be fully accessible from street level — no more stairs.
Parking space galore
You may have wondered: What about parking? The new garage will accommodate roughly 580 cars, which is fewer than the previous 975 spots. However, the old garage only had 475 usable spots, so this new design should be a win for Kansas City drivers.
A Beaux-Arts callback
Say hello to “Kansas City Spirit, Memory, and Resilience” — a glowing tribute to KC’s history. Belgian artist duo Gijs Van Vaerenbergh have been tapped to design six steel skeletons for the plaza, tracing the Beaux-Arts design of the original Kansas City Convention Hall, which was rebuilt in just 90 days after a fire gutted it in 1900.
Strategically placed at each of the plaza’s four corners and along Central and Wyandotte Streets, these memory-laden sculptures will serve as a daily reminder of KC’s resilience, while illuminated beams transform evening strolls. A few details, like climbing plants and second-story walkways for better viewing, are still in the works.
Looking forward to more green downtown? You’ll just have to wait a few years. The project is expected to wrap up by... you guessed it... summer 2026.
