Kansas City Strikes Big with the South Loop Park Project
Exciting news is buzzing around Kansas City as a major step forward has been announced for the highly anticipated South Loop Park project. A joint venture of JE Dunn Construction and Clarkson Construction Co. has bagged the winning bid to bring this impressive urban green space to life, set to span over 5.5 acres atop Interstate 670 in downtown.
What’s the Deal?
The Kansas City city officials unsealed bids last Tuesday, and drumroll, please — it turns out the joint venture from these two big local players had the best proposal! Their bid for the construction services on the $217.2 million project came in lower than a competing offer from Kiewit Corp., thanks to their top-notch technical plan, smart preconstruction pricing, and construction fees.
While we’re still waiting on all the specifics of JE Dunn and Clarkson’s proposal, the city expects to get the formal thumbs up from council members for this winning bid in early December. They’ll likely give them the green light, which comes in the form of a “notice to proceed” to kick off the first phase of construction management. This phase will be crucial as they work closely with HNTB Corp., the park’s design firm, to fine-tune vital elements like the construction schedule and the final price.
A Dream Team for the Community
Both JE Dunn and Clarkson are positively thrilled about this project as it falls right in their backyard, and they boast decades of experience in the area. This is more than just a job; it’s a chance to create something special for Kansas City. In a joint statement, both companies expressed their excitement, sharing, “This project is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for our local team to build a lasting space that will bring our community together.”
Park Features & Future Plans
So, what can we expect from the South Loop Park? This park will not just be a place to enjoy nature; it’s designed to connect two vibrant areas — the Central Business District and the Crossroads Arts District. It’s envisioned to become a community hub where visitors can relax, celebrate, and connect with each other, nestled right in the heart of the city.
According to city representatives, groundwork on the park has already begun, with soil testing getting underway since late October. The ambitious plan will kick off more detailed designs at a public meeting expected in early 2025, which is part of the project’s environmental review process that the Federal Highway Administration hopes to wrap up by the end of February.
Timeline and Expectations
Construction for the much-anticipated park is expected to kick off in the first quarter of the new year, with potential road closures on I-670 looming for summer. If all goes according to plan, the tunnel aspect of the project could see completion by 2027, though contractors are in the process of figuring out the exact timing.
Planning is so critical that city officials have established a deadline to stop construction in the public right-of-way by May 1, 2026, to prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It’s a big deal, and everyone is eager to see what this project will bring to the Kansas City community.
Funding & Financials
Funding for this magnificent project has already crossed a significant milestone, with a total of $109.7 million secured from various local, state, federal, and private sources. Earlier in August, the City Council agreed to pursue a $65 million line of credit through the federal Build America Bureau, built on solid planning to ensure that every penny spent on this project is accounted for wisely.
As we wait for the green light, there’s a palpable excitement in the air about transforming this downtown area into a lush, inviting park that will undoubtedly bring countless benefits for the people of Kansas City for many generations to come. Stay tuned for more updates as this thrilling journey unfolds!
