July 11, 2024

Today’s Forecast

89º | 15% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:02 a.m. | Sunset 8:45 p.m.

🛍️ You could shop... until they dropped

Montgomery Ward’s anchor position is now taken by Target. | Photo via MVSC

Shopping malls across America have been left in a state that not even Paul Blart could save, and Kansas City is no exception.

Known as “dead malls,” these abandoned, dilapidated, or mostly vacant shopping centers have become a subject of fascination — especially thanks to the online popularity of liminal space aesthetics.

Let’s go to the mall

Metro North Mall was once in its heydey.

The two-story, 1.3 million-sqft shopping center that opened in 1976 was once popular for its shops, arcade, theater, and grand plaza with a water feature + four mini “hot air balloons” that floated up and down. By 2010, however, the mall was down to 17% occupancy.

A yellowing image of two mini hot air balloons floating in the center of a mall. To the left of the balloons are several people walking by shops. — Metro North Mall and its iconic balloons, circa 1979.
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Photo by Dwaynep2020 via Wikimedia Commons

Over on the Kansas side, Indian Springs Mall was one of the largest indoor malls of the Midwest after opening in 1971. Locals may remember the children’s maze, pet and fashion shows, and anchor tenants like Montgomery Ward during the mall’s popularity.

Back to the future

Metro North Mall — now Metro North Crossing — officially closed in 2014 and sat abandoned for several years. Now, the former mall site is a 106-acre mixed-use development anchored by T-Shotz, a golf entertainment facility.

Two years later in 2016, Indian Springs Mall was demolished. Since then, the site has remained unused, but earlier this year local government selected three development companies to submit redevelopment proposals.

KCtoday_Ward Parkway Shopping Center — As seen in Ward Parkway Mall in 1962. | Photo via MVSC

Today, Kansas City still has a number of thriving shopping centers, plus other successful mall redevelopments:

Country Club Plaza | With new ownership officially in charge, a bright future is on the horizon for Kansas City’s “Crown Jewel.” Expect to see increased security, more local retailers + a return to the 15-block urban shopping center’s original Spanish architecture.
Blue Ridge Crossing + Antioch Crossing | IAS Partners, Ltd. — the same development team behind Metro North Crossing — also completed successful redevelopments at KCMO’s former Blue Ridge Mall and Antioch Mall.
Ward Parkway Center | Built in 1959 as an indoor mall, the now outlet-style shopping center houses staples like Trader Joe’s + Target. DYK: Ward Parkway’s AMC was the first modern movie multiplex.

Asked

Do you have memories of a local mall from back in the day?

First date at the food court, trying on prom dresses at the department store, hitting up Orange Julius before picking up the perfect graphic tee at Hot Topic — we wanna hear it all.

Escalator to heaven

Events

Thursday, July 11

Concert in the Park: Kansas City Latin Jazz Orchestra | Thursday, July 11 | 7 p.m. | Thompson Park, 8045 Santa Fe Dr., Overland Park, KS | Free | Experience an evening of vibrant rhythms and melodies as the Kansas City Latin Jazz Orchestra performs live at Overland Park’s Concert in the Park.
Purple Rain: The Ruby Room Series | Thursday, July 11-Sunday, July 14 | Times vary | Music Theater Heritage, 2450 Grand Blvd., Ste. 301, KCMO | $51 | Come laugh in the “Purple Rain” at this tribute to Prince.

Friday, July 12

D.E.A.R. Silent Bookclub | Friday, July 12 | 5:30-8 p.m. | Bliss Books & Wine, 3504 Gillham Rd., KCMO | Free | Drop Everything And Read any book of your choice — just do it silently.
The Little Mermaid | Friday, July 12-Sunday, July 14 | 8-10 p.m. | Starlight Theatre, KCMO | $12-$97 | Be a part of Ariel’s world as the classic Disney musical takes center stage.

Saturday, July 13

Dream It, Girl! A Vision Board Workshop | Saturday, July 13 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Pave Creative: Music, Arts & Theatre, 6335 W. 110th St., Leawood, KS | Free | Boards, art supplies, a light brunch + mimosas will help you illustrate your vision for your future.
Strang Hall Beer Fest | Saturday, July 13 | 2-5 p.m. | Strang Hall, 7313 W. 80th St., Overland Park, KS | $10-$55 | Bring your buds for a day of local KC brews + live bands.

Events calendar here

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Environment

The 4-1-1 on recycling locally

a boy puts empty bottles into a cardboard box

Share these tips with the whole family so everyone can help with recycling. | Photo via Pexels

Did you know you can recycle peanut butter jars but not pet food bags? Yes, you read that right. We know recycling is confusing — especially when it comes to plastics.

The new Recycle Plastics Better flier is a cheat sheet that’s designed to cut through the confusion and provide clear guidance about what types of plastics are recyclable + where to recycle them locally.

Recycling something other than plastic? Find a spot to recycle just about anything with RecycleSpot.

More recycling pro tips

News Notes

Kansas Citian

Touchdown, Kan-sas City! Chiefs radio broadcaster Mitch Holthus was awarded Kansan of the Year on Tuesday. The Smith Center native is the longest tenured “voice” of the franchise, having offered his play-by-play commentary since 1994. (Kansas City Star)

Announced

A triple threat has arrived on the Westport scene: Sk8bar. The aptly named bar, live music venue + skate shop, which operated in St. Joseph’s for years, is now moving operations south to the former Arizona Trading Co. spot (209 Westport Rd.). An opening date is TBA. (Kansas City Magazine)

Ranked

We may be biased, but you can’t argue with numbers... KCI is top of its class. Kansas City’s new terminal landed No. 6 on Travel + Leisure’s top 10 best U.S. airports in 2024. Voters considered criteria like check-in/security, restaurants + bars, and design. (Kansas City Business Journal)

Opening

Metro golfers won’t have to drive far for Overland Park’s new PGA Tour Superstore. The golf retailer has since taken over a former Whole Foods (6221 W. 119th St.), and will hold a grand opening on Saturday, July 27. (Johnson County Post)

Development

Plans to convert the vacant Incred-A-Bowl bowling alley are on a roll. Overland Park’s planning commission approved rezoning, permitting + plans to transform the dilapidated building into a multi-use complex with dining, retail, a gym and event space. (Johnson County Post)

Asked

Were you a middle school postal clerk? Perhaps a 12-year-old chef or DJ? Then you probably remember Exchange City, KC’s former underground field trip destination. Share your mini town memories with the Kansas City Star. (Editor Maddie here — long before this writing gig, I made it big as an Exchange City banker.)

Pets

Have an upcoming vacay on the books? No need to stress about finding top-notch care for your furry friend. CITYDOGs offers award-winning accommodations that give your pup all of the comforts of home while you’re away (think: seasonal brunch items, fleece bedding, and enrichment mats).*

Health

“The clarity is insane.” That’s what we’re hearing (loud and clear) about this best-selling hearing device. It makes conversation effortless, even in background noise. Join 350,000+ happy customers with a no-risk trial.*

Finance

If your last credit card bill sent a chill down your spine — even in this heat — it might be time for a balance transfer. The Ascent recommends these four cards with 0% APR for up to 18 months. (You could have almost two years to avoid interest charges.)*

Eat

🍻 Test your taste buds

Just looking at it makes my eyes water. | Photo via Boulevard Brewing Co.

Some pairs just make sense: Batman and Robin, Kansas City and football, chicken wings + beer.

This month, Boulevard Brewing Co. and KCK’s Spicin Foods have teamed up in another awesome pairing to bring you Wheat Beats the Heat.

Any order of a half dozen wings at the Beer Hall will come drenched in your choice of Pain is Good hot sauce with an ice cold can of Boulevard’s Unfiltered Wheat (+ wet napkins for good measure). Heat-seekers can test their chops with the “One Wing Challenge” — get through a single wing with its 100% Pain sauce and be immortalized on the Wall of Flame.

Prefer your beer and wings couch-side? Head to the store, pick up a Boulevard + some Pain is Good hot sauce, and send in your receipt for a $6 rebate.

The Buy

A really soft, breathable men’s performance t-shirt that Nordstrom just marked down. The Vuori shirt is great for everyday wear or working out.

More worth The Buy

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Madison

From the editor

Now that the furniture is moved, the boxes are unpacked (kinda), and the rabbit is comfy — it’s time to go grocery shopping.

Help my fiancé and I settle into our new home by sharing your fave grocery stores, hardware shops, etc. in the KC area (bonus points for anything close to Brookside). I’ll be sure to share the tips in a future newsletter.

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