Plus, try Torani's new syrup collab with a Columbus Park coffee shop.
 
07.01.2024 6AM-Top banner logo-small.png

SUBSCRIBE
6AM City In-house

Today’s Forecast

83º | 52% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 5:56 a.m. | Sunset 8:48 p.m.
 

💸 Officially off the market

Meet the Plaza’s newest owners: Dallas-based HP Village Partners
Country Club Plaza
Looks like the Plaza is getting new owners for its 100th birthday. | Photo by Country Club Plaza
Rumblings of new Plaza ownership had echoed through KC streets since last fall — and now, the ink is finally dry.

As of Friday, June 28, Dallas-based HP Village Partners are the latest stewards of the century-old shopping center. Exact details have yet to be released, but we’ve got a few ideas of what’s at the top of the retail company’s to-do list.

Concerns over crime + vacant storefronts have plagued the historic district in recent years, and local community leaders say boosted security and beautification are top priorities.

Need help picturing a possible Plaza future? Look no further than Dallas’ Highland Park Village — another HP Village Partners venture. The two shopping centers share a lot in common: not only were they firsts-of-their-kind built around the same time, both are inspired by Spanish architecture.

The new owners are expected to announce the details of the sale and any planned improvements at a press conference later today.
Ghosts of Plaza's past
Asked

The Plaza was the first suburban shopping center built for ________ ?
A. Pedestrians
B. Year-round use
C. Automobiles
D. Members only
Plaza ponderings
 
Events
Monday, July 1
  • Flags 4 Freedom | Monday, July 1-Saturday, July 6 | 7-10 a.m. | Downtown Merriam, KS | $15 | Add a flag to the patriotic row to honor your loved one who served.
Tuesday, July 2
  • Coloring Club for Adults | Tuesday, July 2 | 12-1 p.m. | Art & Lucille Jahn Meeting Room, Leavenworth Public Library, 417 Spruce St., Leavenworth, KS | Free | All supplies are provided during your relaxing afternoon of coloring.
  • Joyce Maynard Presents “How The Light Gets In” | Tuesday, July 2 | 7-9 p.m. | Unity Temple on The Plaza, 707 W. 47th St., KCMO | $35 | The NY Times Bestselling author presents the sequel to her beloved novel “Count The Ways.”
Wednesday, July 3
  • Summer of Sangria | Wednesday, July 3 | 12-5 p.m. | Weston Wine Company, 540 Main St., Weston, MO | $20 | Soak up the summer with new, handcrafted sangrias weekly and order a flight for free miniature cupcake pairings.
Thursday, July 4
  • Freedom Fling | Thursday, July 4 | 12:30-5 p.m. | Thomas A. Soetaert and Splash Cove Aquatic Centers, Shawnee, KS | Free | Enjoy pool games every hour to celebrate the 4th.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
Arts

🎭 KC Fringe Festival 2024: What to know before you go

KC Fringe Festival 2024: What to know before you go
Presented by a KCtoday Partner
a gif featuring images from previous KC Fringe Fest performances
There’s something for everybody at the fest (think: comedy shows, family-friendly concerts + experimental films) — just make sure you know what you’re getting into and check show ratings before you go. | Photos courtesy of KC Fringe Fest; GIF by KCtoday
Kansas City, you’re in for a treat. KC Fringe Festival, aka the city’s largest celebration of arts and culture, is right around the corner.

Returning for its 20th season, this fest features an explosion of performances, screenings, and exhibitions that showcase the work of local, national, and international artists. Catch films from July 12-14, visual arts performances from July 13-27, and live performances from July 19-28.

Bonus: Kansas Citians can also get up close and personal with artists who are creating and experimenting at the fest.

To start your journey, you need two ingredients: a Fringe Button and show tickets (available to purchase online). This year attendees planning on going to multiple shows can save by purchasing a five-show ($65) or 10-show pass ($120) at Fringe 411, located in The Bird Comedy Theater (read: headquarters for buttons, programs, maps, merch, and more).

Pro tip: To get a sneak peek of the fest, catch the Flash Preview, a one-minute preview of each show on Thursday, July 18. Explore the full lineup and secure your spot ahead of time.
See the full lineup + grab tickets
News Notes
Eat
Sports
  • Sporting KC welcomed Mike Burns as the club’s new director. Burns, who previously played for the KC Wizards, has four Eastern Conference championships and one Lamar Hunt US Open Cup wins under his belt. Now he will help Sporting recruit players + strategize.
Transit
  • The KC Streetcar has a new ‘do. Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art wrapped the ride to commemorate the museum’s 30th anniversary. The wrap features works exhibited at the museum over the years. When you ride, scan the QR codes to see full images of the art + learn about each artist.
Announced
  • If you love a fun little drink, you’ll love Torani’s newest partnership with Café Cà Phê. The mix-in giant teamed up with KC’s first Vietnamese coffee shop to create a Dragon Fruit syrup, in celebration of the Year of the Dragon. Try a taste from Café Cà Phê’s summer menu or find it online.
Pets
  • Celebrate Independence Day by freeing a pet from the shelter. Adult animals at KC Campus for Animal Care, Zona Rosa adoption center, KC Pet Project foster homes + cats at the 95th and Quivira PetCo will have no adoption fees during the holiday. Find your furry bestie.
Plan Ahead
  • The Fourth of July is just three days away. If you haven’t finalized your celebration plans, we’ll make things easy for you. The Overland Park Star Spangled Spectacular is a free, family-friendly way to commemorate the holiday this year. Cue the fireworks.*
 
Try This

Culture

Introducing our 2024 Picture of the Year contest
KCtoday_POTY10
It’s hard to catch KC’s bad side. | Graphic by KCtoday
Shutterbugs, rejoice. Our Picture of the Year contest is back after hundreds of submissions and 1,000+ votes in 2023.

That means whenever inspiration strikes — picture-perfect park moments, aesthetic summer fests, landmarks and local lattes — you can submit your stills for a chance to win.

The rules are pretty simple: pics must include a visual element that directly connects to KC + nudity or offensive language aren’t allowed. Let’s keep it PG, please.

Finalists will be selected by the KCtoday team early next year. We’ll open up a vote via the newsletter and social media after that.
The Buy

The Buy 7.01.24 (Affiliate)
A five-star rated swimsuit from Nordstrom — we like this lace-up back one-piece for an adjustable fit or this v-wire one-piece for a dipped neckline with support.
 
The Wrap
 
Madison-McMillen.png

Today’s edition by:
Madison
From the editor
With less sports + stadium updates these days, it feels like food and drink news has become my bread and butter. Between trying new record bar XO, recommending my fave place for margs + queso, and stopping in for the grand opening of JARS... I’m seriously stuffed.
Missed our previous newsletter?     ›
Send Us A Scoop, Question, or Feedback     ›
Advertise     ›
More worth The Buy     ›
 
 

Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.

Change your preferences or unsubscribe here.

Copyright © 2023 6AM City Inc, All rights reserved.

P.O. Box 2505, Greenville, SC 29602

ADVERTISE | CAREERS | ETHICS | PRIVACY | THE BUY