Plaza District Council’s Post

Ray Washburne states that the is expecting to spend up to $200M to “bring it back”. Should take 3-5 years. Luxury retailers are doing ok. There are still a lot of aspirational buyers out there. They will bring in contemporary brands also like rag & bone, and Alice + Olivia. Spending at restaurants is down 10-15%. #plazaforward #plazakc https://lnkd.in/gREFZYHC

It's official! (press conference link below) We have much to look forward to: Ray Washburne, Steve Summers and the HPV team have every intention to bring back the quality, beauty and liveliness of the historic Country Club Plaza shopping center. They want to bring back local interest in cuisine, a small grocer, and create opportunities for local retailers. Longer term, the group will be looking at bricking some of the streets on the west edge of the Plaza, do landscaping, improve facades, and update the offices spaces on the 2nd floor of retail shops. They are interested in bringing a boutique hotel, and plan to create an architecturally significant office building with retail on the ground floor in the vacant lot behind Unity Church. They are already addressing safety by increasing the presence of security people on the street and intend to add cameras all around the Country Club Plaza. Time for a little patience - we are on the best possible path and getting it right will take some time. Ray says his impact will definitely be evident within the year. #plazakc #plazaforward #countryclubplaza https://lnkd.in/gYfWUpKF

https://lnkd.in/gRW-VH-b

So pleased to welcome Mike Grigsby to the PDC Board!

There's More to the Plaza than The Plaza! As we all anxiously anticipate the exciting news of a new owner for our city’s prized jewel, the Country Club Plaza, there are a few things to keep in mind.  The Country Club Plaza property itself is tremendous: 15 city blocks, with over 2 miles of storefront sidewalk, and more than 5 times the amount of square footage for tenants than Highland Park Village in Dallas enjoys. Prospective buyers, HP Village Partners,  are well aware of the challenges they will face due to deferred maintenance, the state of retail, and other factors that have challenged the area.  The buyers remain optimistic and excited about what lies ahead and, without a doubt, their ownership is an extremely bullish opportunity for this beloved area. The Plaza is renowned for its historic charm and architectural beauty, featuring a picturesque creek, bridges, towers, fountains, and sculptures. We think of it stretching from the Polsinelli building on the west to the Plaza Tennis Courts on the east.  Yet, in fact, the 15 retail blocks that are trading hands at the end of June, make up just a part of what we all consider to be “the Plaza”. Beyond these blocks, the Plaza District boasts fourteen hotels, seventeen high rises, and a dozen multifamily rental properties. Numerous buildings and businesses like Unity Church, Jack Henry Building (The Puttery and Chief’s Fit), 46 Penn Centre (Prime Social) Eddie V’s, Skelly Building (Bo Lings), Lockton, CBIZ, and Commerce Bank are owned by other invested stakeholders.  The Intercontinental and The Raphael are also independently owned and not part of the sale to Highland Park Village Partners, LLC. KC Parks & Rec own/operate the Tennis courts and maintain the 234 acres of the Brush Creek Greenway. They are responsible for the beautification on the sidewalks and bridges that cross Brush Creek.  The creek is a federal waterway whose flood control plan was designed by the US Corps of Engineers.  The water is managed by the KCMO Water department.  The Plaza District Council (PDC) was established to unite these diverse interests, which extend beyond the immediate shopping center area to include UMKC, Saint Luke’s Hospital, the Nelson-Atkins Museum, Kemper Museum, KCArt Institute and others. It is our goal to be agents of progress for the Plaza District in service of growth, vitality, and inclusion. The PDC aims to enhance the district's walkability, safety, and connectivity, fostering a mixed-income, mixed-use neighborhood with opportunities for residents, visitors, workers, and shoppers. The intention of the Plaza District Council is to continue to act as a proactive convener of neighborhoods and stakeholders, and a partner to the new owners of the Country Club Plaza. With the support and participation of the community, we will shape a district action plan that will form the strategic backbone for priorities and initiatives in the District. 

We're Hiring! Join Our Team as an Operations Coordinator The Plaza District Council is looking for a dynamic and organized Operations Coordinator to join our team! If you have a passion for community development and excellent organizational skills, we want to hear from you. This role involves managing daily operations, supporting events, and fostering community engagement. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gVzfFnPN

Check out the quote from our President and Founder, Kate Marshall!

Mayor Quinton Lucas announces the imminent sale of the historic Country Club Plaza to Highland Park Village Partners. The Plaza District Council expresses optimism about the new ownership, anticipating significant improvements while preserving the Plaza's unique character. The Council remains committed to enhancing walkability, safety, and infrastructure for all district stakeholders. https://lnkd.in/gaNW93hc