The Country Club Plaza’s future is coming into focus a year and a half after the property was purchased by Texas investors.
Takeaways
- The Kansas City Plan Commission voted on Dec. 17 to put a redevelopment plan for the Country Club Plaza in front of the Kansas City Council. That plan outlines the kinds of buildings and landscaping that will be allowed on the Plaza as the new owners get started on its renovation.
- Some of the proposed changes — particularly the increased heights and density — are opposed by some neighborhood groups, as well as Historic KC and the Kansas City chapter of the American Institute of Architects.
- The developer, as well as some city leaders, believe that increased density is necessary to make the Plaza sustainable and tax-generating in the long-term.
It’s no secret that the Plaza has been struggling for years. In 2023, its former ownership group defaulted on nearly $300 million in debt as the shopping center struggled with slumping sales, vacant storefronts and concern about crime. The new owners, Gillon Property Group, reportedly acquired the Plaza for a discounted price of $176 million.
Now, the Plaza stands at a crossroads.
Within the next few weeks, the Kansas City Council will consider an update to the Plaza’s Master Planned Development plan, or MPD, which could allow significant changes to the landmark shopping district…