Exciting Developments Coming to Kansas City’s 18th & Vine Jazz District
Kansas City is set to witness an incredible transformation in the iconic 18th & Vine Jazz District starting in 2025! After years of ups and downs, several ambitious projects are on the horizon, aiming to breathe new life into this historic area, which has long been cherished for its rich Black cultural and commercial legacy.
Historic Boone Theater Gets a Makeover
One of the standout projects is the renovation of the historic Boone Theater located at 1701 E. 18th St. This beloved building, which first opened its doors in 1924 as the New Rialto Theater, is undergoing an impressive $8.7 million renovation. This project is set to become the home of the Black Movie Hall of Fame and the Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City.
Once completed, the Boone Theater will feature digital media labs, coworking and event spaces, plus an inviting outdoor pocket park. It’s a thrilling renaissance for a building that has been vacant since 1987. Ground was officially broken on this project just last month, with completion aimed for late 2024 or early 2025!
Revitalizing the House of Hits
Next on the list is the Jazz District III apartment project, which aims to transform underutilized city-owned land. This plan includes plans for a mixed-use building replacing a surface parking lot on both sides of the historic House of Hits building at 1511-13 E. 18th St. Changes will also include a three-story building with 13 residential units and retail options, alongside a four-story building housing 35 units and a delightful restaurant with a jazz club!
This exciting project has been made possible through collaboration with esteemed developers and could cost around $23 million. The existing House of Hits, which has deep roots dating back to the 1930s as the Kansas City Monarchs’ office, will be preserved and lovingly renovated.
A Multi-Million Dollar Expansion for the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is also gearing up for a grand expansion, promising to triple its current size! Developers Grayson Capital LLC and Corbella LLC have announced plans for a 30,000-square-foot campus that will include immersive exhibits, an event rooftop, and a retail shop.
This ambitious project is part of a larger vision encompassing a premium hotel next to the museum and even a new city garage with 460 spaces to enhance accessibility. A capital campaign, humorously named Pitch for the Future, has been launched to support this endeavor, which is expected to wrap up as early as May 2026.
Major Housing Development Coming to Parade Park
In a project touted as potentially the largest single housing development in Kansas City, the Parade Park Homes area is set for a significant overhaul! Flaherty & Collins Properties and Twelfth Street Heritage Development Corp. are working on plans for 1,084 residences in a multi-phase plan that could take six years.
This transformative project is not just about buildings; it’s about creating community! Recent approvals have earmarked $1.7 million from the Housing Trust Fund to ensure that many of the new homes remain affordable for current residents.
Walkable Wonders in the 18th Street Pedestrian Mall
Lastly, the city is rolling out the red carpet for pedestrians with the 18th Street Pedestrian Mall. Designed to promote foot traffic, this project will revamp 18th Street, adding beautiful new landscaping, decorative lighting, and gathering spaces, making it a vibrant place for events and festivals.
The $6.5 million project is expected to begin next year, with plans to temporarily close sections of the street to vehicle traffic during city events. Aiming for completion by late 2025 or early 2026, it promises to be a delightful hub for the local community.
As these projects get underway, Kansas City is set to celebrate a new chapter in the life of the 18th & Vine Jazz District, ensuring that its historical significance continues to shine brightly for generations to come!
