urbanSTL

The Kansas City Chiefs will share their vision for Arrowhead Stadium renovations this week, team leaders announced.

The team plans to hold a press release Wednesday morning to present their initial renovation concepts for the stadium. Chiefs Chairman Clark Hunt and President Mark Donovan will be in attendance. The renovation plans come as Jackson County residents prepare to vote in April on a 3/8th-cent sales tax for Chiefs and Royals stadium projects. Revenue from the sales tax, if approved, would go toward Arrowhead renovations and a new Royals stadium in the Crossroads District. There’s also been speculation that the Chiefs would expand throughout the Truman Sports Complex if Kauffman Stadium is demolished.
The two teams will be on the same ballot question on April 2 when Jackson County voters head to the polls.
But even once the Chiefs release their renovation plans, several questions remain about both stadium projects. Jackson County’s letter of intent still requires more details released on the new lease terms and a community benefits agreement.

A redevelopment plan for Parade Park Homes could tear down most existing structures in phases to make way for more than 1,000 new residences, including hundreds of affordable apartments under Kansas City’s standards.

Flaherty & Collins Properties and Twelfth Street Heritage Development Corp. propose a total of 1,065 residences, including different types of units for rent and sale, according to preliminary plans shared with Parade Park Homes residents, viewed by the Kansas City Business Journal. The residences would be built in three phases and be offered first to existing residents of the historic Black-owned housing cooperative. The plans hinge on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development acquiring Parade Park through a March 11 foreclosure sale.

Incorporated in 1963, Parade Park Homes includes 510 units in 46 row buildings. About one-third, or 166 units, had active leases as of late November. 

Hi Barbie! A new theme park is coming to the Kansas City area filled with family adventures.

A new Mattel Adventure Park in Wyandotte County will feature Hot Wheels roller coasters, a Barbie rooftop restaurant and bar, Thomas & Friends attractions and more.Crews plan to break ground this year and open the new theme park in Bonner Springs in 2026. It will be located near 118th Street and State Avenue, not far from Kansas Speedway.

“Mattel Adventure Park Kansas City will bring our iconic brands to life with epic roller coasters, family-friendly attractions, an immersive theatre, themed dining, and so much more,” said Josh Silverman, chief franchise officer at Mattel. “We are thrilled to expand these themed entertainment destinations and invite new fans to experience the world of Mattel in all-new ways as they create lasting memories with loved ones.”

This will be the second Mattel Adventure Park from Mattel and Epic Resort Destinations; the companies have a second theme park opening this year in Glendale, Arizona.

nother major investment is coming to the Kansas City area.
Google announced Wednesday morning that is investing $1 billion into a new data center and will expand a skilled trade career development program to the region, contributing to North Kansas City School District’s alternative education STEAM program.
The company also announced it would work with Evergy to power the site and Ranger Power and D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments (DESRI) to bring 400 megawatts of carbon-free energy to the grid.
“Google’s selection of the Kansas City region is another example of our state’s ability to attract and support world-class companies,” Missouri Governor Mike Parson said. “Our skilled workforce, superior infrastructure, and prime business climate continue to result in investments from leading employers. We welcome Google to Missouri and look forward to the positive impact it will provide for our growing high-tech sector.” Google’s data centers help power digital services like Google Cloud, Workspace (which includes Gmail, Docs, Sheets and more), Search and Maps for people and organizations globally.
“Kansas City continues to be one of the fastest-growing technology markets in the country, thanks to our prime location with thousands of hardworking, skilled workers,” Kansas City Mayo Quinton Lucas said. “Our combined effort with Google is a strong reflection of Kansas City’s success in global industry and our future as an international technology capital.”
Google announced it will bring its Skilled Trades and Readiness (STAR) program to the Kansas City area. The company is collaborating with the Missouri Works Initiative and the Urban League to help increase the entry-level pipeline in the skilled trades with a focus on underrepresented communities, a release stated. All STAR pre-employment programs are paid training programs, and offer networking opportunities to help participants move directly into employment on local construction projects.