Get to know Kansas City Country Club Plaza
May 2 | Logan Breer
In 2024, Missouri’s Premier Downtown Revitalization Conference is calling Kansas City home. More specifically it will take up residence in the County Club Plaza area of Kansas City. This city is at the core of Kansas City’s developing metropolitan area that encompasses not one but two states! Kansas City has a complex past, just like many places across the state and nation, but its history does not hold back people from pursuing a brighter future. This sets the stage for our theme, “Foundations to Futures: Preserving History and Fostering Growth.”
Kansas City Country Club Plaza
The Kansas City Country Club Plaza was the vision and masterpiece of Architect J.C. Nichols. Nichols envisioned a place filled with bright storefronts, comfortable homes, spacious offices, and public parks that were accompanied by grand Spanish architecture and beautiful works of art. He took his first step towards his vision when he purchased the first pieces of the property that would become Country Club Plaza in 1907. By 1922, the once farmland and Brush Creek would be established as the Country Club District. Since its establishment, the district has been developed into a world-renowned 15-block district that is the spot for upscale retail, unique restaurants, and upbeat nightlife. Residents and visitors now enjoy a district that can truly be lived, worked, and played in through its lively mixed development that includes residences, grocery stores, high-end retailers, as well as local and chain retail, several restaurants, and a school.
Greater Kansas City Metro Area
The western part of Missouri that is home to the greater Kansas City metro area has many Main Street programs successfully revitalizing their historic commercial district at an Accredited level. These Accredited Main Streets include Lee’s Summit, Liberty, Excelsior Springs, and newly accredited Independence. On top of that, Raytown, Grain Valley, and Pleasant Hills are Affiliate Main Street programs that call the Kansas City metro area home as well. If you feel adventurous you can jump over to Kansas to check out the Main Streets that are part of Kansas Main Street’s network. Each of these unique districts has revitalized their communities in outstanding ways. When you come to Kansas City to learn from our keynote and session speakers, don’t miss the opportunity to enrich what you are learning with some self-guided excursions to the Greater Kansas City metro area to one of these Accredited Main Streets.
Lee’s Summit
Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street and the Downtown Lee’s Summit district is a perfect example of the incremental nature of the Main Street Approach™. They are an Accredited Main Street program that continues to deliver excellence for their historic commercial district and community. Drive over to Lee’s Summit to visit a transformed and revitalized district 30 years in the making. Lee’s Summit is one of the few communities in Missouri who have won a Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA) from Main Street America and featured in the American Planning Association’s Great Places in America in 2019. Plan your excursion to Lee’s Summit just 30 min from Kansas City to see all the amazing things going on from their low first floor vacancy rate to their new development from housing to public spaces on their website.
Liberty
Historic Downtown Liberty, Inc. is a place where all can come together and partner towards positive change in their community. This beautiful, historic district, situated around the courthouse, is preserved by people of all walks of life. They partner with their local school club, MainStreet 53, to do some amazing things. Plan your excursion to Liberty just 35 min from Kansas City to see all the amazing things going on from their website.
Independence
The Accredited Main Street community of Independence is one you do not want to miss. The Independence Square and Downtown Independence district is a perfect example of the asset-focused nature of the Main Street Approach™. They embrace their local history as the home of President Truman and a deep connection to westward expansion as the start of the Santa Fe, Oregon, and California trails. Often you will find period actors playing pioneers or even President Truman himself. Plan your excursion to Independence just 30 min from Kansas City to see all the amazing things going on from their website.
We are excited to see you at this year’s Missouri’s Premier Downtown Revitalization Conference. Check out our conference website to plan your stay with us at the Kansas City Marriott Country Club Plaza hotel. www.momainstreetconference.com
