Ahead of Plaza Sale, Former Mayor Discusses ‘The Crown Jewel of Kansas City’

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Country Club Plaza, commonly referred to as “the crown jewel of Kansas City,” is poised for a change of ownership. With the sale’s completion set for Friday, June 28, many citizens harbor hope for a rejuvenation under new management. The Dallas-based firm, Highland Park Village Partners, is expected to finalize the purchase of this cherished district. The Country Club Plaza has been under the stewardship of Macerich and Taubman Centers since 2016, with Macerich holding the majority of the ownership.

Reflections of the Former Mayor

Sly James, the previous Mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, who held the office during the Macerich and Taubman Centers’ acquisition, candidly expressed his thoughts on the Plaza’s earlier transition. “There was a level of excitement and hope that did not actually materialize over the time,” said James. He observed that national businesses began to take dominance, often pushing out local establishments.

Emphasizing the unique character derived from local spaces and associated memories of residents, James asserted that the Plaza’s special appeal stemmed from these very elements. “Here, relationships do matter, and the relationships that people have with the Plaza matter,” James added. He urged the new owners to strive not merely for monetary gains but to curate experiences that foster emotional connections, attracting people back to where they “felt good.”

Looking Toward a Brighter Future

Daniel Brocato, vice president of Block and Companies Realtors and a Kansas City native, shared his viewpoint on the impending change. He acknowledged a shift in the Plaza’s environment from his childhood memories, “It was so much more of a welcoming environment than what it is now,” he recalled.

Brocato expressed optimism about the state of commercial real estate in the retail sector. He echoed James’ sentiments on the need for a reinvigorated local business focus. He also pressed for a decrease in rent, which is currently a limiting factor for many potential businesses. “With new ownership, it should help to drive prices to a little more reasonable rate where people could actually succeed,” Brocato said. He expressed hope that such changes could restore the Plaza’s former glory.

Mayor James concurred with this vision, provided the new owners adhered to the principles that made the Plaza truly the ‘crown jewel’. He said, “Silver tarnishes, you know, if you don’t want it to tarnish you have to clean it every now and then.”

The city’s residents and stakeholders eagerly await the transition and the positive changes it promises. They hope the crown jewel will continue to sparkle for generations to come, preserving its rich history while encouraging growth and innovation.