09.16.2024

Today’s Forecast

87º | 9% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 7:01 a.m. | Sunset 7:23 p.m.

The hands behind KC’s biggest developments

Hunt family history: Huge KC developments they authored

KC’s future is looking sunny. | Picture by @photodrifter

Previously, we told you about a major entertainment hub coming to Olathe Gateway which will feature a sports arena, theme park, and more.

Now we know a couple more exciting facts:

It will be an “ultra-accessible” experience, allowing people with disabilities to enjoy all the amenities.
The project was inspired by the Hunts’ 10-year-old grandson, Michael Arkell, who “has a rare genetic condition, is non-verbal and uses a wheelchair.”

Who are the Hunts?

Only one of KC’s richest and most influential families. They currently have an estimated net worth of $24.8 billion — yes, that’s billion with a “b.” The family’s wealth is owed to their ancestor, H.L. Hunt, an oil tycoon who had the foresight to make an early investment in the industry.

What in KC have the Hunts developed?

A lot. Let’s take a look at the highlight reel:

Kansas City Chiefs | Obviously. Originally known as the Dallas Texans, the team was first founded by Lamar Hunt Sr. in 1960 and has since remained in the family. In 1963, the Texans were moved to KC and renamed the Chiefs. (That’s why Lamar is also known as one of the forefathers of the NFL.)

Splish splash at KC’s iconic water park.
|
Photo via Wikimedia Commons

Subtropolis | Touted as the world’s largest underground business complex, the 55 million-sqft artificial cave opened in 1964. It is a tunnel system buried 160 ft beneath the surface, with each tunnel separated by 25-ft limestone pillars.

Fun fact: Its first tenants included Ford, Pillsbury, and Russell Stover.

What Hunt developments are in progress?

Outside of the aforementioned Olathe Gateway project, the Hunts have multiple KC projects in progress:

Google Data Center | Opening early 2025 | The $1 billion data center will be housed in the Hunt Midwest Business Center (NE Parvin Road, KCMO). It will bring along its Skilled Trades and Readiness (STAR) program, a paid training course which aims to nurture a pipeline for skilled trades.

9 more Hunt developments

Events

Monday, Sept. 16

“Bone of the Bone” | Monday, Sept. 16 | 7-9 p.m. | Unity Temple on The Plaza, Sanctuary | $33 | One ticket includes a hardcover copy + guest to see Kansas journalist and National Book Award finalist Sarah Smarsh present her latest novel.

Tuesday, Sept. 17

Beginner Partner Dance Class | Tuesday, Sept. 17 | 5:45-6:45 p.m. | Smithville Senior Center | $5+ | Learn how to two-step and swing with your chosen beau, along with key etiquette, before showing off your new skills at the social.
Paint Your Pet | Tuesday, Sept. 17 | 6-9 p.m. | Sinclair’s Restaurant, Blue Springs | $45 | The canvases come pre-traced, but you bring the paw-rental love.
Peter Pan | Tuesday, Sept. 17-Thursday, Sept. 19 | 8-10 p.m. | Starlight Theatre | $12+ | This high-flying musical has been thrilling audiences of all ages for ~70 years, now you can experience the pixie dust for yourself.

Wednesday, Sept. 18

Garment District Grooves | Wednesday, Sept. 18 | 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Garment District Place | Free entry | Grab some lunch from Sugar Skull Grill and listen to live jazz by Stan Kessler + friends on your afternoon break.

Thursday, Sept. 19

Moonlight Market | Thursday, Sept. 19 | 4-8 p.m. | Johnson Drive, Shawnee | Free entry | Shop dozens of local vendors, swing by the beer garden, and don’t forget to bring the kids for all kinds of family-friendly fun.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Sports

The Chiefs eked out a win over the Bengals, 26-25. Next, they’ll take on the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, Sept. 22, with a 7:20 p.m. kickoff. We’re sure they’ll clip their wings.

Eat

It’s Black Restaurant Week. Happening now through Tuesday, Sept. 24, let your taste buds explore the 10 participating metro restaurants, with offerings ranging from frozen yogurt to breakfast to barbecue.

Open

Over the weekend Independence Square welcomed Brewer’s Wrap House at 111 N. Main St. Housed within 3 Trails Brewing, the sandwich shop specializes in “Brew-ritos,” which feature locally-sourced ingredients.

Award

KC PBS has not one, not two, but six regional Emmy nominations for six different projects, including “Nichols’ Folly” which details the Country Club Plaza’s history. Winners will be announced on Saturday, Oct. 26. View its nominees.

Try This

Unbe-leaf-able — West Bottoms Plant Company is two. It’s celebrating with a Garden Party, featuring an embroidery bar, plant classes, food + drink, and 22% off plants. Pop by 12th Street Post (1501 W. 12th St., KCMO) on Sunday, Oct. 6 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for an herbsolutely great time.

Real Estate

It’s the home your rich auntie dreams of. Take a gander at this black-and-white neoclassic Leawood house which oozes luxury all around its marble + stone facade. (IN Kansas City)

Civic

Wyandotte County will receive assistance from FEMA for damages caused by the Sunday, May 19 storm. Eligible projects for funding include building or modifying facilities like waterways, bridges, and culverts, as well as relocating them out of a floodplain. (FOX4)

Number

22%. That’s how much auto insurance rates have increased over the last year. Stop overpaying + find a better rate when you get a free, no-obligation quote from Savvy.*

Concert

🎵 Don’t miss a beat

Give these Kansas City live music venues a listen

“Heart of America,” the Heartland... need we go on? | Photo by @andymelody85

Hear that? It’s the scintillating sound of Kansas City’s live music venues beckoning you to a performance you’ll never forget.

Put your hands in the air, wave ‘em like you just don’t care, then lay your eyes (and ears) on our guide.

T-Mobile Center | 1407 Grand Blvd., KCMO
Capacity: 18,000
Pregame your show at KC Live! across the street.

Arrowhead Stadium | 1 Arrowhead Dr., KCMO
Capacity: 76,416
The home of the Kansas City Chiefs, but also a pit stop for many iconic worldwide stars.

Grinders | 417 E. 18th St., KCMO
Capacity: 2,500
The pizza is an added perk to this outdoor venues.

recordBar | 1520 Grand Blvd., KCMO
Capacity: 300
Small but mighty, this is the ideal spot to see your favorite artists up close and personal.

15+ more music venues

The Buy

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More worth The Buy

Answered

Is Washington Square Park a home run?

Kauffman stadium downtown kc washington square park rendering

Don’t worry, it looks like the crown scoreboard is still in play. | Rendering by BNIM

That’s the question we posed to you after new renderings revealed the park by Crown Center as a contender for a Royals stadium location.

After 500+ of you chimed it, the verdict is in:

This spot hits it out of the park — at least, according to 63% of you.

The remaining 37% of you called foul ball, believing the developers should go back to the drawing board.

Step up to the plate

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Charmaine

From the editor

I was a military kid, but I grew up mainly in the Little Rock, Arkansas area. Its version of the Hunt family are the Rockefellers who also gained their wealth from oil. I wonder if the Hunts and the Rockefellers are besties. Or maybe they’re bitter rivals attempting to thwart each other at every turn.

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