Kansas City’s iconic Country Club Plaza, long shadowed by decline and rising crime, is poised for a dramatic transformation. The new ownership team has laid out an ambitious $1.5 billion redevelopment plan aimed at restoring the century-old shopping district to its former glory — and beyond.
A Bold Vision for a Storied Landmark
When the Country Club Plaza first opened in 1923, it was considered a crown jewel of Kansas City, known for its Spanish-style architecture and vibrant retail scene. But years of neglect, empty storefronts, and safety concerns have chipped away at its reputation.
Now, HP Village Partners — a Dallas-based firm with lots of experience in large-scale developments — is stepping in as the new owner, promising to breathe new life into the 1.7 million square-foot district. The plan includes a sweeping $1.4 to $1.5 billion overhaul that goes far beyond cosmetic fixes.
Ray Washburne, principal partner at HP Village, says the project will focus heavily on basic infrastructure upgrades like new sewers, refurbished roofs, and pedestrian-friendly walkways. "We're talking about brick streets, fresh landscaping, and a general clean-up," Washburne said. The goal is to make the Plaza feel inviting again — a place where locals and visitors want to spend time.
Security: The First Priority
Crime has been a major problem for the Plaza in recent years. Shootings, car thefts, and large groups of teens causing disturbances have scared off shoppers and diners alike. One local Shake Shack even had to close its dining room and bathrooms during evening hours because of safety issues.
But the new owners have stepped up security in a big way. Over the past year, they've installed around 50 new security cameras, bringing the total to about 250, and added $1 million worth of lighting to parking garages. Private security officers and off-duty police now patrol the streets with authority to detain suspects.
Kari Lindner, general manager of the Made in KC Plaza Marketplace, said these measures have made a noticeable difference. "The nicer the Plaza looks, the more people come out," she said. "And when there are more people around, bad actors don’t have as many chances to cause trouble."
Adding Housing and Retail to Revitalize the Area
The redevelopment isn’t just about retail and safety. The owners want to add as many as 750 new residential units in multi-story buildings, along with around 280 hotel rooms. This shift toward mixed-use development aims to bring more life to the district beyond business hours.
Local, unique retailers and food spots are also a focus. Washburne and his team want to move away from national chains and instead bring in smaller, compelling brands that don’t have hundreds of locations nationwide. The idea is to create an experience that feels special and authentic to Kansas City.
"Previous owners focused more on big national chains, which can be less interesting," said Stephen Summers of HP Village Partners. "We want to build a place where people are excited to come back again and again." Visitors can expect to see some of these changes taking shape within the year, with specific store announcements coming soon.
Seeking Tax Breaks to Support the Massive Investment
To help fund the project, the ownership team has asked local authorities for sizable tax incentives. They’re seeking sales tax exemptions on construction materials and property tax breaks that could last up to 30 years. In return, the developers would continue paying an amount equal to current property taxes, with incremental increases every two years.
Port KC, a public agency overseeing major development projects, was set to discuss the proposal but delayed the vote to allow more outreach with taxing jurisdictions like the city, public schools, and library. These entities are concerned about how the tax breaks might affect their revenue streams.
Despite the hold-up, the owners remain optimistic about the negotiations. They’ve been meeting with local officials to iron out details and stress the potential benefits of the redevelopment — including new housing, improved infrastructure, and increased economic activity.
Gillon Property Group, part of the ownership, shared renderings showing new multi-story buildings peppered throughout the Plaza, signaling a big change to the current skyline. The developers are also pushing to relax height limits in some areas to accommodate the new structures.
Overall, the plan aims to create a revitalized neighborhood that blends retail, residential, and hospitality spaces while preserving the Plaza’s historic charm.
Negotiations over tax incentives continue, but the project's scale signals a major investment in Kansas City's future. With security tightened, infrastructure upgrades underway, and fresh retail and housing on the horizon, the Country Club Plaza could soon reclaim its status as a vibrant hub — one that locals and visitors will want to return to time and again.
