09.21.2023

Today’s Forecast

85º | Partly cloudy | 10% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:04 a.m. | Sunset 7:17 p.m.

🚨 Rendering alert

Latest renderings and updates for the South Loop Project

We’re giving these designs two green thumbs up. | Renderings via South Loop Project

Remember the South Loop Project? Well, after months of collecting community feedback and technical work, the team behind the project officially unveiled the latest park concept.

Before we dive into the design, let’s give a quick refresher on the $200 million South Loop Project details.

🧠 Refresh your mind

It’s a sustainable urban park over I-670.
The collaborative effort is led by City of KCMO, Port KC, and the Downtown Council.
The destination will include features like accessible play spaces, public entertainment forums, and multimodal transportation options.

🌳 Dive into the design

Earlier this week, a new design for the South Loop Project was unveiled at its third public meeting.

The South Loop spans ~five acres in Kansas City’s downtown area. As seen above, the development would help connect the community and create a more walkable experience for residents and visitors alike. The project is inspired by nature, using references and inspiration from Missouri’s parks + wildlife.

South Loop Project KCtoday — A look at a possible playground design concept for your kiddos.
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Renderings via South Loop Project

Project leaders created this community-oriented vision using community input. Kansas Citians weighed in via surveys earlier this year, identifying their deepest desires. Categories with the highest votes included the need for a community front yard for downtown, a refuge in the city, and a place for cultural + civic events.

Project elements that will encapsulate those needs include:

Refuge (Wyandotte Street to Baltimore Avenue)
Children and family (Baltimore Avenue to Main Street)
Community (Closest to T-Mobile Center)

South Loop Park Project KCtoday — What kind of food hall spots are you hoping to see pop up?
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Renderings via South Loop Project

Each section will have its own amenities and purposes. For example, the “children and family” block will include a playground, while the “community” block will feature a food hall and pavilion for entertainment.

A start date for the South Loop Project is still TBD — but leaders are planning for a 2026 completion date, just in time for the World Cup.

Asked

What project elements are you most excited for?

A. Refuge (Think: Quiet spaces, shade, and seating)
B. Children and family (Think: Playgrounds and green space)
C. Community (Think: Food hall, pavilion, and events)

Share your two cents

Events

Thursday, Sept. 21

Mayor’s Community Blood Drive | Thursday, Sept. 21 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | The View, 13500 Byars Rd., Grandview, MO | Free | Save a life by donating blood.
Bike Night | Thursday, Sept. 21 | 6-9 p.m. | Worth Harley-Davidson, 9400 NW Prairie View Rd., Kansas City, MO | Free | Enjoy live music, meats by Twisted Rib BBQ, and cool custom rides.

Friday, Sept. 22

Smokestack Tasting: Harvest Barrels | Friday, Sept. 22 | 6:30 p.m. | Boulevard Tours & Rec Center, 2534 Madison Ave., Kansas City, MO | $45 | Try something new from a tasting menu featuring four pours paired with four light courses.
Camp Leavenworth | Friday, Sept. 22-Saturday, Sept. 23 | 5-10 p.m. | Riverfront Community Center, 123 S. Esplanade St., Leavenworth, KS | Free | Watch local musicians, eat from food trucks, and shop artists + makers at this annual festival.

Saturday, Sept. 23

Big Shoal Country Fair | Saturday, Sept. 23 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Atkins-Johnson Farm and Museum, 4109 NE Pleasant Valley Rd., Gladstone, MO | $0-$10 | Purchase a Fun Zone activities pass to get unlimited access to the petting zoo and axe throwing.
Red Saturday | Saturday, Sept. 23 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | The Shops of Prairie Village, 6920 Mission Rd., Prairie Village, KS | Free | You’re invited to celebrate the Chiefs with a photo opp with KC Wolf, face painting, and Chiefs specials from shops in Prairie Village.*

Sunday, Sept. 24

Game Day Experience | Sunday, Sept. 24 | 3:25 p.m. | KC Live! | Free entry | Root on the Chiefs as they take on the Chicago Bears at Arrowhead Stadium.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Community

The new program curbing food waste in KC

a man and a woman in a grocery store pushing a child in a cart

The Kansas City Regional Food Loss & Waste Reduction Action Plan provides a comprehensive set of solutions designed to reduce the amount of food that is wasted and sent to landfills in the region in both the short and long term. | Photo via Pexels

Did you know Americans throw away nearly one-third of the food they buy every year, costing the average household $1,800 annually? Mid-America Regional Council is launching Kansas City Food Wise to help combat food waste in our community, increase access to healthy food, and build a sustainable food system that benefits us, our community + the planet.

Individuals and organizations can utilize Food Wise’s tools (think: a Food System Map and community involvement page) to learn how to plan, prepare, and share food in order to cut down on waste.

More ways to reduce food waste

News Notes

Sports

Rain delay. The Royals announced the decision for the new stadium location will not be made by the end of this month. This setback is due to a need for clarity on stadium plans + lease terms in order for the public to be fully informed for voting in April 2024.

Opening

A new brewery is hopping into Johnson County. Discourse Brewing is set to open on Thursday, Sept. 28 — at 7211 W. 87th St., Overland Park, KS. The spot will have an open and airy feel, with various ways to engage the community like a “Pay It Forward” wall. (IN Kansas City)

Cause

Kansas State School of the Blind received the stamp of approval for its blind soccer field project. Blind soccer is an adaptation of soccer for those who are blind or visually impaired. This plan is funded by The Victory Project and will be complete by spring of 2024. (The Pitch)

Coming Soon

Calling all vintage lovers. The Rex Catalog, a local vintage clothing store, is opening its first brick-and-mortar location in the Crossroads. The new spot — at 2654 Madison Ave. — will host its grand opening on Saturday, Oct. 14 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Concert

It’s “Stick Season.” Folk singer-songwriter Noah Kahan announced his 2024 tour — and Kansas City is on the bill. Kahan will perform at Azura Amphitheatre on Wednesday, June 5. Sign up for advanced registration to get your tickets Wednesday, Sept. 27. Public onsale starts Friday, Sept. 29 at 10 a.m.

Community

Lead to Read KC is partnering with five other local literacy organizations at the Plaza Art Fair this weekend. The booth will feature interactive displays, educational games, and make-and-take crafts.

Festival

The Hallmark Art Festival is returning to Crown Center this Saturday, Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This event showcases the artistic talents of 80+ current Hallmark employees and retirees. Entry is free.

The Word

Acta Diurna. Latin for “daily acts,” this was an Ancient Roman form of communication that shared matters of public importance — much like an early newsletter. Continue the tradition by sharing this newsletter using the buttons below, plus now you can say you thought about the Roman Empire today.

Giveaway

Looking to step up your wellness game, Kansas City? You’re in luck. We’re partnering with Mission Farms to give one lucky winner $200 to spend at any wellness business in the shopping center. Head over to our Instagram (@thekctoday) to enter now through Thursday, Sept. 21 at midnight (yes, that’s today).*

Fact or Fiction

Proton therapy, a highly specialized, state-of-the-art form of radiation treatment, can treat cancer in both adults and children. See the answer.*

History

🎵 Cue “September” by Earth, Wind, and Fire

Do you remember the 21st night of September in Kansas City?

On this day, 102 years ago, this photo of construction for the future American Royal building was taken. | Photo via Kansas City Public Library

In honor of Earth, Wind, and Fire’s iconic song “September,” we’re reflecting on iconic late-September moments in Kansas City history with a little help from the Kansas City Public Library.

On (and around) this day:

2006 | The US Department of the Interior designated a national historic landmark for The Liberty Memorial (World War I Museum and Memorial).

1949 | The Association of Women Broadcasters of the National Association of Broadcasters held a luncheon at the historic Muehlebach Hotel.

1934 | “Else Paulson” roses were blooming at the Nelson Gallery of Art (Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art).

1929 | Exhibits of radios were held at a Radio Show at the second Convention Hall, which was located at 13th and Central Streets.

1922 | Construction was underway for the American Royal Building.

1906 | Electric Park was preparing decorations for its Corn Carnival in the East Bottoms.

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The Wrap

City Editor Bella Rainey poses on a rooftop overlooking Kansas City, KCtoday.

Today’s edition by:
Bella

From the editor

I think the South Loop Project is the most excited I have been about a new development in Kansas City.

Tons of green space, food options, and blocks dedicated to specific community needs? Perfection.

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