Plus, a 40-story tower near Kauffman Center.
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Today’s Forecast

40º | Rain/snow mix | 98% chance of rain |
Sunrise: 7:37 a.m. | Sunset: 5:12 p.m.
 

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🦘 Roo up

UMKC planning pedestrian plaza and KC Streetcar stop development
Photo of Mauli Agrawal giving UMKC address
Chancellor Mauli Agrawal has been at UMKC for five years. | Photo by KCtoday
The University of Missouri-Kansas City is in the midst of several transformative projects scheduled across the next several years — some of which could see completion this year. Among these developments include two plans to create major amenities for pedestrians.

During the State of the University address, Chancellor Mauli Agrawal announced a pedestrian plaza as well as new buildings related to the incoming streetcar stop.

📍 51st Street pedestrian plaza

The pedestrian corridor, labeled the UMKC Promenade on project renderings, would stretch two blocks along 51st Street — from Cherry Street to Rockhill Road. Features could include:
  • Bollards (those metal poles in the ground) at intersections to protect foot traffic from vehicles
  • Integrated planters and street art (imagine a blue + gold roadway)
  • Yard games and sport courts
  • Cafe-style tables and chairs
“I can just imagine the transformation,” Agrawal said. “Plantings and greenery, string lights, places to sit and gather.”

UMKC officials told KCtoday they’re aiming to open the corridor in the fall.

Rendering of UMKC Promenade

This rendering shows a map of the proposed pedestrian area.

|

Rendering by Confluence via UMKC

🚊 KC Streetcar Main Street Extension development

The streetcar is coming to 51st Street and Brookside Boulevard (near Whole Foods) in 2025. Right now, there’s a big empty lot next door (just north of Crows Coffee). Chancellor Agrawal said the university wants to use this opportunity to build a mix of any of the following:
  • Housing
  • Retail
  • An arena (for campus events and concerts)
UMKC officials said an exploratory process for the project will kick off this spring.

👀 Other projects

UMKC’s plans extend beyond these mobility-centered projects, including:
Events
Friday, April 21
  • Tivoli at the Nelson-Atkins | Friday, Apr. 21, Sunday, Apr. 23 | Times vary | The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art | $10 | Sit back and relax while watching “The Lunchbox.”
  • The Diary of Anne Frank | Friday, April 21-Saturday, April 29 | 7:30 p.m. | Leavenworth Kansas Community Theater, 500 Delaware St., Leavenworth, KS | $10-$15 | Watch this live performance presented by the River City Community Players.
Saturday, April 22
  • Hike Fox Hollow with a Naturalist | Saturday, April 22-Saturday, Oct. 7 | Times vary | Lakeside Nature Center, 4701 E. Gregory Blvd., Kansas City, MO | Free | Lace up your hiking boots and set foot on the Fox Hollow trail.
  • Earth Day on the Lawn | Saturday, Apr. 22 | 1-3 p.m. | Legends Outlets, 1865 Village West Pkwy., Kansas City, KS | Free | This family-friendly event includes a pop-up plant shop, planting station, face painting, and two screenings of “The Lorax.”
  • Vine Lessons: Natural Wines, Pét-Nat & Other Trends in Wine | Saturday, Apr. 22 | 6:30-9 p.m. | The Culinary Center of Kansas City, 7920 Santa Fe Dr., Kansas City, MO | $95 | Explore (yes, that means taste) “natural wines,” naturally sparkling wines, and even orange wines.
Sunday, April 23
  • Art Garden KC | Sunday, April 23-Sunday, Oct. 29 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Berkley Riverfront | Free | Shop handcrafted local works from KC makers every Sunday.
Thursday, April 27
  • Rob Schneider: I Have Issues Tour | Thursday, Apr. 27 | 7:30 p.m. | Folly Theater, 300 W. 12th St, Kansas City, MO | $35-$75 | Enjoy hilarious stand-up comedy from actor, screenwriter, director, and Saturday Night Live veteran Rob Schneider.*
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
Travel

Don’t board an airplane without this item
A small white AirFly device next to a passport, headphones, ear buds, and a plane ticket.
Goodbye, cheap airline headphones; hello, incredible sound quality. | Photo by 6AM City
Picture the place in your house where you store you suitcases. Is there room for a two-by-two inch item weighing 15 grams? If yes, we recommend you buy this item immediately — vacation you of the future will thank you.

Meet the AirFly wireless audio transmitter, AKA your ticket to watching — and actually enjoying — the in-flight movie entertainment on your next trip.

AirFly eliminates the need for wired headphones by plugging into a headphone jack then connecting via Bluetooth to your earbuds or wireless headphones. We repeat: You will never need wired headphones again if you have an AirFly.

Reviewers have mentioned the notable improvement in sound quality that the AirFly helps produce — not to mention, you won’t have to humble yourself before your travel companions and ask for a spare pair of wired headphones (or use the cheap ones the airline passes out).

Bonus: Upgrade to the AirFly Duo to share audio between two pairs of headphones, or get the AirFly Pro for all that plus even more battery life and audio options.
Fly with the AirFly
News Notes
Development
  • Developers are pitching a 40-story tower across Broadway Boulevard from the Kauffman Center. The Federal Aviation Administration recently approved building up to 320 ft in proximity to the Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport, but builders are planning to ask for 500 ft. (Flatland KC)
Community
  • Rightfully Sewn, a seamstress training organization, is promoting sustainable fashion with an Earth Day clothing swap — at 7501 Prospect Ave., KCMO. On Saturday, April 22, from 12 to 3 p.m. you can bring gently used clothing items and swap something old for something new.
Eat
Listen
Health
  • Did you know? Heart disease is the leading cause of global death — and high cholesterol is a leading risk factor for heart disease. We’re cracking open the latest guidance on cholesterol (hint: this is good news for egg lovers).*
Holiday
  • Morgen ist Earth Day. Der Tag der Erde wird weltweit begangen und wurde im Jahr 1970 von einem US-Senator, der eine Ölpest mit eigenen Augen miterleben musste, ins Leben gerufen wurde. Heute wird er von über 1 Milliarde Menschen in 193 Ländern begangen. Translate this news with Babbel (currently offering 55% off lessons) in The Wrap at the bottom of our newsletter.*
Finance
  • Refinance rates are skyrocketing. But home equity rates remain relatively low — which means that now is a great time to borrow against your home. Calculate your payment.*
Shop
  • We’re firm believers in spoiling the ones we love — especially our pets. That’s why we’re adding these two things to our shopping carts: this customizable velvet collar and this durable bed that features a removable slipcover. Don’t forget the treats. We love these soft chews for doggos and these freeze dried snacks for cats.
  • Celebrate Earth Day by supporting some of our Six & Main brands. Rainier Watch, a business inspired by mountains, gives a portion of its sales to organizations that protect National Parks, and Plant Based Candles allows customers to reuse the vessel as a planter with wildflower seeds included in each order.
 
Arts

✍️ Shall we compare thee to a poet?

Read the winning poem from our 2023 poetry contest
A graphic with the words "2023 poetry contest finalists"
Drumroll, please. | Graphic by 6AM City
This April, we ran a poetry contest to celebrate National Poetry Month. We challenged you, our readers, to craft a poem using only the words that appeared in one of our newsletters (here are the original contest guidelines if you want to give it a try).

Turns out, you’re all poets and we didn’t even know it. We were beyond thrilled to read the original, creative, and awe-inspiring poems Kansas Citians created from our newsletter copy. Check out the poems with the button below, and don’t forget to vote for your favorite.

“A Grateful Existence” by J.C. Olson

“A Phenomenon” by Nevaeh Moritz

“April’s Call” by Shera Bhala

“Ballad for Springtime Dreamers Waking Up in Kansas City” by Gretchen Kaufman

“The Awakening: A.I. Emerges” by Louis Sage
Read them all here
Asked

Which poem should we crown the winner?
A. “A Grateful Existence” by J.C. Olson
B. “A Phenomenon” by Nevaeh Moritz
C. “April’s Call” by Shera Bhala
D. “Ballad for Springtime Dreamers Waking Up in Kansas City” by Gretchen Kaufman
E. “The Awakening: A.I. Emerges” by Louis Sage
Cast your vote
Shoutout
Happy birthday, KCtoday member Marc E. We hope your special day (April 22) is filled with all of your favorite things in Kansas City! — KCtoday team

Your voice is valuable, and so are the special moments in your life. Shoutouts allow us to celebrate job promotions, anniversaries, and exciting experiences right here in Kansas City. Become a KCtoday member today to reserve your shoutout and celebrate with tens of thousands of locals.
Become a member, get benefits
The Wrap
 
Photo of Travis Meier in Kansas City

Today’s edition by:
Travis
Holiday, translated: Tomorrow is Earth Day. The global holiday dates back to 1970, when it was spearheaded by a US senator who witnessed an oil spill first hand. Now, it’s observed by 1+ billion people across 193 countries. Brush up on your German skills with a subscription to Babbel (currently 55% off exclusively for KCtoday readers).*

From the editor
Y’all, it may seem small, but it gives me so much joy that sunset is now officially after 8 p.m. As a night owl and summer lover, this is prime Travis time. How do you enjoy the warm, bright nights?

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Here’s how to celebrate Record Day this Saturday.
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