Kansas City Unveils Plans for Historic Tennis Center Revamp

News Summary

Kansas City officials have announced ambitious plans to transform the historic Country Club Plaza Tennis Center into a vibrant mixed-use development. The project aims to include residential housing, public spaces, and retail areas, while relocating the tennis courts. With a focus on accessibility and connectivity, the new development will be conveniently located near a KC Streetcar stop. Community engagement will be key in shaping the plans. Proposals are due by November 1, 2024, with a strong emphasis on preserving the site’s historical significance.

Kansas City Plans Big Transformation for Historic Tennis Center

Kansas City is gearing up for an exciting transformation! The officials in the city have announced ambitious plans to revamp the beloved Country Club Plaza Tennis Center, which has been serving the tennis community for nearly a century. Located at 4747 Mill Creek Parkway, this historic site could soon be the home of a vibrant mixed-use development.

What’s On the Table?

The city is welcoming proposals for a redevelopment project that aims to mix things up. The vision includes residential multi-family housing, delightful public spaces, ground-floor retail, and the relocation of those well-known tennis courts. It’s all about creating a lively hub that caters to the interests of residents, visitors, and sports enthusiasts alike.

Connecting the Plaza

One of the exciting features of the redevelopment plan is its proximity to a stop on the KC Streetcar’s Main Street Extension. This location is expected to promote transit-oriented development, making it easier for people to access the area without relying solely on personal vehicles. The city is focusing on higher density and accessibility, which should make it more convenient for everyone to enjoy.

Mark Your Calendars!

If you have ideas about what this transformation should look like, you’ll need to act fast! The deadline for redevelopment proposals is Friday, November 1, 2024. But don’t forget; any proposals will have to undergo a thorough community engagement process and need approval from both the Parks and Recreation Board and the city council. Additionally, the public will weigh in through a ballot measure, ensuring everyone has a say in this crucial decision.

A Rich History

The current tennis facility has a rich history, having been built in 1928 and featuring 14 lighted courts that just received a fresh resurfacing. It has been managed by the United States Tennis Association’s Missouri Valley Chapter for the remainder of 2024, ensuring that local teams continue to have a place to play. These courts host various local teams, including those from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Rockhurst University, and even high school teams.

Addressing Concerns

Despite its storied past, the tennis center faced issues in recent years. The city has received criticism for the facility’s deterioration, which resulted in the cancellation of a conference tournament by the University of Missouri-Kansas City. City Manager Brian Platt believes this land holds greater potential than just having a few tennis courts. His vision includes relocating the courts to other city-owned properties or possibly even rooftop settings in the future development.

What’s Next for the Tennis Center?

The Parks and Recreation Department is getting ready to issue a Request for Quote for the management of the tennis courts starting in 2025. This aims to allow for competition in how the facility is run, making sure that it operates efficiently and meets community needs.

Community Voices Matter

As plans unfold, public comments indicate a strong desire to retain the existing tennis facility. Residents are keen on preserving its accessibility and historical significance to the community. The city encourages developers to reflect the historical architecture of the Plaza in their proposals and to incorporate robust community feedback into the new design.

Looking Forward

This transitional moment for the Country Club Plaza Tennis Center is sparking renewed interest, especially with upcoming tournaments on the horizon. It’s a thrilling time in Kansas City, where both history and modern development are set to blend beautifully as the project moves ahead!