10.06.2023

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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.

🗝️ The ghosts of Plaza past

Meet the Plaza’s newest owners: Dallas-based HP Village Partners

Looks like the Plaza is getting new owners for its 100th birthday. | Photo by Country Club Plaza

Big news broke this week: The Country Club Plaza may have new owners soon. But before we dive into the new, let’s take a look at the old — here’s a walk down memory lane, and the Plaza’s past ownership.

1922-1998: J.C. Nichols

One of Kansas City’s most influential figures, J.C. Nichols, was the man responsible for building our beloved shopping center.

In 1922, builders broke ground, and the first store greeted customers in spring of 1923. It was designed to compliment the Country Club Plaza neighborhood (which Nichols also built).

The Plaza was:

The first shopping center built for cars.
The first outdoor shopping center in America.
Modeled after buildings in Seville, Spain. Fun fact: the Giralda tower is an exact one-half scaled replica of its twin in Seville.

Country Club Plaza 1935 — Kansas Citians gather for the first ever Plaza Art Fair, held on Monday, Sept. 12, 1932.
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Photo courtesy of The State Historical Society of Missouri-Kansas City

Among its first tenants were hat shops, gas stations, car dealerships, and even a grocery store (yes, there was a grocery store). Some of the most iconic places during the Nichols reign were Swanson’s, Halls, and Sears.

1998-2016: Highland Properties

In 1998, The J.C. Nichols Company decided to shake things up and merge with North Carolina’s Highwoods Properties. During Highwoods’ reign, the Plaza went through several large store changes, including saying hello and goodbye to a Tesla showroom.

2016-Today: Taubman Centers and The Macerich Company

After 18 years of ownership, Highwoods Properties passed the Plaza torch. Taubman Centers and The Macerich Company jointly purchased the 15-block shopping district, continuing the Plaza’s legacy.

In those seven years, the Plaza added a myriad of national brands, including Johnny Was, Psycho Bunny, and a Nike lifestyle store. They also fostered hometown pride with local businesses like Made in KC, Bruú Café, Razzleberry, and Nickle & Suede.

Nike store country club plaza — The new Nike store was the first on the Plaza to feature a storefront with graphics on the building.
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Photo by Country Club Plaza

Looking ahead

Now 100+ years old, the Country Club Plaza will likely continue its next century with new owners. But just who are these interested parties? It’s Dallas-based HP Village Partners and Ray Washburne.

Fun fact: Washburne is married to Heather Hill Washburne, a descendent of H.L Hunt who is the father of Kansas City Chiefs founder Lamar Hunt.

If all goes well, the keys will exchange hands by the end of this year.

Asked

What would you like the Plaza’s future to be?

In a perfect world, what would the Plaza be like? Who would own it? What stores would it have? Let us know.

Share your thoughts

Events

Friday, Oct. 6

Justice at War | Friday, Oct. 6-Wednesday, Oct. 11 | Times vary | Coterie Theatre, 2450 Grand Ave., Kansas City, MO | $12-$15 | In this interactive stage drama a Japanese girl sues the US government over its internment camps.
She Breathes Fire | Friday, Oct. 6-Sunday, Oct. 8 | 6-8 p.m. | City Stage Theatre, Union Station, 30 W. Pershing Rd., Kansas City, MO | $25 | This dance performance offers a new folkloric story of the heroines’ journey in a fantasy world where women rule.
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)(Revised)(Again) | Friday, Oct. 6-Sunday, Oct. 8 | Times vary | Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre, 3927 Main St., Kansas City, MO | $39-$54 | Watch as all 16 comedies are distilled into one short sketch and the historical plays are performed as a football game.

Saturday, Oct. 7

Black Drip Presents: OctoberFest 2023 | Saturday, Oct. 7 | 2-8 p.m. | The Roasterie Factory Cafe, 1204 W. 27th St., Kansas City, MO | Free | Coffee enthusiasts, music lovers, and foodies join together to have a great time.
Judge Kit Carson Roque Jr. Scholarship Gala | Saturday, Oct. 7 | 5:30-9 p.m. | Kansas City Convention Center, 301 W.13th St., Kansas City, MO | $115 | Enjoy a night at the gala while supporting the Jackson County Bar Association’s scholarship.

Sunday, Oct. 8

Historic Middle School Book Club | Sunday, Oct. 8, Sunday, Dec. 3 | Times vary | Alexander Majors House Museum, 8201 State Line Rd., Kansas City, MO | Free | Middle schoolers from across the metro gather + discuss books with history themes.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Try This

💰 What would you do if you won $1 million?

The odds of winning the Two Million Dollar Puzzle are 150x better than playing the lottery jackpot. | Photo provided by Two Million Dollar Puzzle

What would you do with $1 million?

Maybe:

Retire early?
Pay for your kids’ college?
Buy an epic vacation home?
All of the above?

Good news: The Two Million Dollar Puzzle could make that dream come true.

How it works:

Assemble a real 500-piece puzzle.
Scan the QR code.
Get a cash prize ranging from $1 to $1,000,000 (yep; that’s six zeroes).

Every puzzle has a prize — with two featuring the lucky $1 million.

Here's your chance to win a milly

Puzzle responsibly.

News Notes

Kansas Citian

KC gets a gold star. The USA Gymnastics team won gold at the World Championships. Among its ranks was KC native and Overland Park resident Leanne Wong. This was Wong’s third appearance at the competition.

Sports

Speaking of amazing women, the KC Current made history again. The club faced off against CF Monterrey in its first international friendly and won 1-0. The match was played in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month.

Announced

All aboard. A Chiefs-themed yacht, dubbed the “ChampionShip,” is cruising toward Frankfurt, Germany for the Sunday, Nov. 5 game against the Miami Dolphins. The boat will feature entertainment, VIP events, and a rally. Tickets release Tuesday, Oct. 17. (KSHB)

Health

The Community Blood Center has a new donor screening process in accordance with updated FDA recommendations. Now, all donors are asked the same risk-based questions, lifting restrictions that prohibited blood donations from gay and bisexual men. Find out how to donate. (FOX4)

Biz

Do you know a restaurant employee who’s the bee’s knees? KC Restaurant Festival wants you to nominate them for a $1,000 tip out. Nominees must be active restaurant industry employees for the last year. Seven winners will be chosen. Submit your nomination before Tuesday, Oct. 17.

Try This

Want to see E-bikes in the wild? Take a ride to the Brookeside Farmers’ Market on Saturday, Oct. 7. A free E-bike Petting Zoo lets you test ride a variety of electric wheels. Roll through the zoo at the market from 9 to 11 a.m. at 6425 Wornall Rd., KCMO.

Fun Fact

Kansas City’s first controlled intersection was at Linwood Boulevard and The Paseo. Stop and think about that next time you cruise through. Have any more cool KC facts? Let us know.

Community

Your KCtoday Editors here. We care about Kansas City. We also care about the people in it. That’s why every day, we bring you positive, impactful news stories about our city — skipping the political talk, crime coverage, and biased reporting. Support our approach to local news by joining our KCtoday membership club.

Active

Fall means perfect biking weather — and studies have shown that e-bike riders typically ride more often (and for longer distances) than traditional bike riders. This brand carries new and certified pre-owned e-bikes at up to 60% off retail; delivering them 99% assembled to your doorstep. Use code RUN for $100 off.*

Plan Ahead

💀 Día de los Muertos lives again

Prepare for the 10th annual Día de los Muertos Celebration

A decade of honoring the spirits that came before us. | Photo by Kansas City Museum

The Kansas City Museum’s Día de los Muertos Celebration returns for the 10th time on Saturday, Oct. 21, 5-9 p.m.

The Day of the Dead (el Día de los Muertos) is a Mexican holiday where families reunite with souls of past relatives every year from Oct. 31-Nov. 2 — with Nov. 2 being the official Day of the Dead.

Where
Kansas City Museum’s East lawn + first floor
3218 Gladstone Blvd., KCMO

Price
Pay what you like, but ticket reservations are required.

Details
Plan for a night chock-full of festivities featuring local artisans + performers including:

Live music by Mariachi Estrella KC
Puppetry by Stone Lion Puppet Theatre
Live dance performances by Grupo Folklorico Izcalli
Face painting and arts + crafts for the kiddos

Attendees can also purchase food + drink from food trucks like La Hamburgesa Loal, Snow Roast, Sugar Skull Mexican Food Truck, and PH Coffee.

The Buy

The Buy 10.6.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

This heated, cushioned folding chair with three heat settings. Because camping, lounging, and cheering from the sidelines doesn’t have to be uncomfortable.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Charmaine

From the editor

🎉 It’s bookfair weekend. I can’t wait to attend the inaugural Heartland Book Festival. Check out our rundown of the event if you want to plan ahead.

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