$46 million closer to construction 👀

$46 million raised for park over I-670 downtown KC

City of KCMO made an announcement on Friday, Feb. 24 about the project’s financial progress. | Photo by KCtoday

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.

SouthLoop location KCtoday — By 2026, this view will be a lot greener.

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

Click here to have your event featured.

Monday, Feb. 27

BINGO for Books | Monday, Feb. 27 | 2-3 p.m. | 1108 N. MO-7, Pleasant Hill, MO | Free | Bust out your literature knowledge and play book BINGO with fellow readers.
Trivia Night at Atomic Cowboy KC | Monday, Feb. 27 | 7-9 p.m. | Atomic Cowboy KC, 4144 Pennsylvania Ave., Kansas City, MO | Free | Go for a slice and a bev, and lead your team to a brainy victory with prizes (or just a good time).

Tuesday, Feb. 28

KC Parks Board Meeting | Tuesday, Feb. 28 | 2 p.m. | Kansas City Parks and Recreation Administration Building, 4600 E. 63rd St, Kansas City, MO | Free | Find out more about KC parks at this public meeting.
Dolphin Tank: Kansas City Women in Tech | Tuesday, Feb. 28 | 5-8 p.m. | 900 W. 48th St., Kansas City, MO | Free | This pitch event is for women entrepreneurs to receive insights from investors and stakeholders about their big idea.

Wednesday, March 1

Coffee Klatch | Wednesday, Mar. 1 | 8:30-9:30 a.m. | Midtown KC Now, 3931 Main St., Kansas City, MO | Free | Join this neighborhood economic development agency for coffee, breakfast treats, and conversation about all things Midtown.
Spice Club: Ranch | Wednesday, Mar. 1 | 9 a.m.-9 p.m. | KCK Public Library, 625 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, KS | Join the club and pick up a new spice kit at the beginning of each month (this one is a Midwest favorite).

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

60º | Partly cloudy | 22% chance of rain

Sports

Due to weather circumstances out west, the Sporting KC vs. Portland Timbers match has been rescheduled to tonight at 9 p.m. The game was originally supposed to take place on Saturday, Feb 25. Who else is ready for the season to start? ⚽
The Chiefs have promoted Matt Nagy to offensive coordinator following the departure of Eric Bieniemy. Nagy was the OC in 2016 and 2017 before leaving to be the head coach for the Chicago Bears. He returned to KC in 2022 as a quarterbacks coach after being fired from Chicago. (FOX 4)

Announced

We gave you the run down already, but there’s a new event to add to the calendar. KC Fashion Week is hosting a Vendor Market on Saturday, March 11 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Union Station before the final runway show. The event is open to the public to shop from 30+ local vendors and designers. 🛍️

Job

Science City at Union Station is looking for a part-time Guest Experience Facilitator to join its team. The role is all about promoting a fun and safe learning experience for guests. Apply here. 🧪

Watch

Not to reminisce already...but we’re going to. The Chiefs won Super Bowl LVII two weeks ago and it still feels this good. ❤️

Finance

If cash back is king, this card is royalty. With a big sign-up bonus, up to 5% cash back, no annual fee, 0% APR until 2024 + more, it’s basically a no-brainer. 👀 *

Shop

Say goodbye to wrinkled clothes. This sleek garment steamer is leakproof and lightweight, making it easy to steam your clothes from home or while on the go. Bonus: It heats up in just 30 seconds and is suitable for a wide range of fabrics. 👚 *

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Got clutter?

Where to donate spring cleaning items in Kansas City

We’re getting the itch for some home reorganization. | GIF by Pottencial Seguradora S.A. via Giphy

Where are our Monicas at? Spring cleaning season is on the horizon.

Start planning your attack (we mean, your approach) with these three tips to manage clutter:

If you’re looking to donate furniture

Send your big items, like couches + appliances (even your car) to Habitat for Humanity ReStore. Or, kick back and let Blessings Abound come and pick up anything from furniture and decor to electronics and office equipment.

If you’re cleaning out your closet

Help your hamper and those without homes by donating to Hillcrest Thrift Stores in the Northland or City Thrift at locations in Johnson + Jackson counties. Give your items to Mission Adelante to help our refugee community, or support veterans through Red Racks Thrift Stores.

If you simply need more space

Neighbor offers storage options listed by locals. Rent anything from an attic, a shed, a spare bedroom, and a garage to store your stuff. Bonus: You can also rent parking spots.

MORE SPRING CLEANING TIPS

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Bella.

Editor’s pick: Remember our story on KC music genres? My top pick is definitely KC indie — I’ve even seen The Greeting Committee live at Uptown Theater. We asked what your top local genres + artists were, and we heard back from reader Douglas B.

“Americana - Fred Wickham Caravan
Country - the Notty Pines
Shoegaze - Emaline Twist
Girl Punk/Rock - Frogpond
Big Brass Sound - Grand Marquis”

I listened to Frogpond while writing the newsletter and it was quite the mood booster!

Missed Friday’s newsletter? Check out where to stay, eat, and shop in the River Market.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Bella Rainey, Travis Meier, Josh Kranzberg, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Amanda Munsey | Advertise with us.

Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.

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