The proposed South Loop Project is taking steps toward a construction start date, thanks to $46 million in funding from private and federal sources. The sustainable urban park concept is meant to bridge Kansas City’s Central Business District and the Crossroads Arts District.
The details
The 4.6-acre urban park is slotted right above I-670, covering four blocks from Wyandotte Street to Grand Boulevard. The project is a collaborative effort led by Port KC, the Downtown Council of Kansas City, and City of Kansas City.
Imagine this
The South Loop is looking to be a state-of-the-art destination park, designed as a full sensory experience for visitors of all ages — similar to the Klyde Warren Park in Dallas, TX. It will include features such as accessible play spaces, public entertainment forums, and multimodal transportation options.
Let’s crunch the numbers
So far, the project has raised $46 million in private and federal funding. Let’s break that down:
- $10 million gift from H&R Block
- $18 million from other private investment — including the Loews Hotel, The Cordish Companies (Power & Light District owners), Kansas City Southern, JE Dunn, and 1400KC.
- $28 million earmarked in the federal infrastructure budget, secured by former Sen. Roy Blunt and Congressman Emanuel Cleaver.
This is just a start, as the project is anticipated to cost up to $200 million. City leaders are pursuing an aggressive timeline and hope to complete the project by the 2026 World Cup.
“It is certainly my goal right now to have this built with as many private dollars as we possibly can to preserve our taxpayer funds, but we’ll also make sure we’re at the top of the list as we look at federal and state investments.” — Mayor Quinton Lucas
Get involved
Share your thoughts on what park elements you’d like to see at the open house public meeting on Tuesday, March 7 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Kirk Family YMCA — 222 W. 11th St., KCMO. Can’t make it to the meeting? Head over to our Instagram and tell us your thoughts there. Your ideas might be featured in a future newsletter.
