April 17 Update - Revive the Vine

For immediate release: Friday, April 17, 2026

The Historic 18th & Vine District is entering a new era, with multiple infrastructure projects underway and new business opportunities being offered. This week's Revive the Vine newsletter includes updates on construction, pedestrian access, the Boone Theater opening date, and more.

Updates on Construction and Progress

Construction continues across several Revive the Vine projects:

These projects require various street closures, but all businesses remain open. Pedestrian walkways are maintained wherever possible, and detour signs are in place, including a digital message board near 22nd & The Paseo.

Boone Theater: Grand Opening May 1st

The Vine Street Collaborative team-a local partnership of Shomari Benton, Tim Duggan, and Jason Parson - is jazzed to announce the Grand Opening of the newly renovated historic Boone Theater on Friday, May 1, 2026!

After years of dormancy, this cultural cornerstone is ready for its unveiling. More than just a renovation, this project is a reimagined landmark in the historic 18th and Vine Jazz District and a renewed commitment to community investment and development.

Program and Ribbon Cutting:

• 2:00 PM
• Open to the public
• A formal program will start promptly inside the renovated Boone Theater, then move to the front of the building for a ceremonial ribbon cutting.

Community Open House:

• 3:00 - 5:00 PM
• Open to the public
• Drop by a community open house showcasing the history of the Boone Theater and its namesake, John W. "Blind" Boone. View student artwork from Lincoln College Preparatory Academy and learn about the theater's future tenants.

Work on the Boone Theater is still ongoing, with additional work taking place in the area surrounding the Boone Theater (including a new water line, green space renovation and more):

• Highland Avenue from 18th Street to the end of the Boone Theater is closed to traffic.
• Parking is not permitted on Highland Avenue between 18th Street and 19th Street.
• South of the Boone Theater, roadways have been restriped to allow for two-way traffic.
• This configuration is expected to be in place until the Boone Theater project is substantially complete.

Pedestrian Mall Construction Progress: 18th St (Paseo - Woodland) Closed to Vehicles, Construction Nearing Completion

Fencing has come down on 18th Street from the Paseo to Highland Avenue, opening majority of 18th Street up to pedestrians:

• 18th Street is still closed to vehicular traffic from The Paseo to Woodland Avenue and is expected to remain closed until the project is 100% complete.
• Vine Street is now back open to vehicular traffic (this is a one way street).
• There is still fencing in place between Highland Avenue and Woodland Avenue while crews work to put the finishing touches on that portion of the corridor.
• Crews continue to add various decorative features along the corridor, with landscaping expected to start soon.
• Crews have nearly completed the reinstallation of the American Jazz Walk of Fame Medallions.
• Limited on-street parking on Highland Avenue between 17th Terrace and 18th Street and between 18th Street to 19th Street.

Because there is no on-street parking on 18th Street between The Paseo and Woodland Avenue, other parking configurations are being implemented:

• Parking is permitted on 18th Street to the east of Woodland Avenue, except for the signed bus stop area.
• A temporary parking plan along the Paseo has been approved. Crews will add striping to mark parking spaces when weather allows.

Sidewalk Progress; Update on Access to Businesses on 18th St Between Vine and Woodland

Sidewalk work continues along portions of 18th Street. There are entry points for every business, but there are some detours due to active construction. Pedestrians should follow all of the outlets along the fencing and stay out of active construction zones:

• The north sidewalk between Highland Avenue and Woodland Avenue is now walkable and ADA compliant.
• The crosswalk on the east-side of the 18th Street and Highland Avenue intersection is now complete and ADA accessible, connecting the north side sidewalk to the south sidewalk (from the KC Juke House side to the Boone Theater side).
• The entire north sidewalk on 18th Street is now open and ADA accessible.
• Majority of the south sidewalk has been poured, but some areas are not open due to other work in the surrounding area. Please refer to the map for ADA accessible routes.
• Crews will be working on bringing any remaining portions of the sidewalks that aren't ADA compliant up to standard over the coming weeks.
• Sidewalk is now accessible in front of the GEM Theater entrance, but pedestrians must still follow a specific route to get there. Pedestrians are advised to approach the GEM Theater by using the new Vine Street crosswalk to get from the north sidewalk to the south sidewalk, then walk eastbound towards the entrance of the GEM Theater.
• Both crosswalks are open at the intersection of 18th Street and Vine Street to connect the north sidewalk to the south sidewalk. These pathways extend pedestrian access down Vine Street from 18th Street to 19th Street.
• Pedestrians trying to get to businesses on the north side of 18th Street between Highland Avenue and Woodland Avenue are advised to follow the pedestrian outlet on the east side of Highland Avenue from E 17th Terrace to 18th Street.

Water Line Updates Across Construction

Water line work is required in several areas. Impacts include:

• Water main tie-ins continue on Highland Avenue, with a closure in place on 19th Street and Highland Avenue. This is expected to be in place for the next few weeks, as the scope of work in this section has expanded. This will not impact the ability for the 18th Street Pedestrian Mall to open when ready.
• With work underway on Highland Avenue, parking is not permitted on the north side of the road between E 17th Terrace and 18th Street.
• Residents will be notified in advance of any disruptions.
• Lanes are still closed to through-traffic on Vine Street between 18th Street and 19th Street for now.

Street Lighting Update

New streetlights have been installed along 18th street:

• New streetlights are not expected to be illuminated until the new controller is installed, which is expected to arrive in mid-April.
• Temporary streetlights will continue to illuminate the area until permanent streetlights are turned on.

18th and Lydia Parking Garage: Ribbon Cutting Date Set

After nearly a year of construction, the 18th and Lydia Parking Garage is getting closer to opening to the public! A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on May 22, 2026 to celebrate this milestone in the Historic Jazz District. More details about this event will be announced in the coming weeks.

The public can expect the following impacts as crews continue to make progress towards completion:

• One lane closed on 19th Street from Paseo to Lydia Avenue, but traffic is still able to get through. This is expected to be in place through May 2026.
• One lane is closed Lydia Avenue in project boundaries, which is expected to be in place through May 2026.
• Temporary art has been installed on the side of the parking garage, a local artist's work will eventually be selected to replace this temporary design.
• Project team finalizing drive approaches and ADA ramps.
• Elevator installation is expected in the coming weeks.
• Parking pricing negotiations ongoing.

The Parker: Construction Starting on Vine Street (18th St to 19th St)

Work related to The Parker is underway on Vine Street, between 18th Street and 19th Street:

• Fencing is now set up around the construction site, which extends into the Paseo from 19th Street to 18th Street.
• Large cones will be put in place to separate traffic from pedestrians.
• The traffic control plan is essentially an extension of the current configuration along the Paseo. Pedestrians will detour at 19th Street and the Paseo, crossing from the east-side sidewalk to the west-side sidewalk.
• Vertical construction is underway as of April, there will be large machinery and cranes moving large pieces of metal and wood during this time.
• Crews will be working on installing elevator shafts and stairway shafts over the next few weeks.
• Outside of the construction zone, there is still minimal public impact.

Parade Park: Demolition Started

Demolition has begun at Parade Park Homes as part of the $300 million rebuilding project to create more than 1,100 affordable homes for seniors, families, and working people:

• Demolition is expected to take approximately 60 to 75 days.
• Demolition was previously delayed by federal permit requirements.
• The neighborhood, one of the first Black-owned housing cooperatives in America, will be rebuilt with modern apartments that former residents can move back into.
• The first phase of the project will include 479 townhomes, apartments and flats, and is expected to be completed in 2027.
• The overarching project is expected to be completed in 2031.

Timeline: 18th St Pedestrian Mall & 18th/Lydia Garage Target June 2026; Boone & Parker Timelines to be Announced

Despite multiple delays and disruptions to current phases of construction, the 18th Street Pedestrian Mall project is expected to be completed by the end of May 2026. The image below can be referenced for the timeline of the different phases on the project.

The 18th and Lydia Parking Garage project is currently on track to be opened by mid-May 2026, with a ribbon cutting ceremony set for May 22, 2026. The grand opening from the Boone Theater is set for early May 2026. The private owners for The Parker have indicated that they intend to release information about completion at a later date. The Parade Park project and the work on I-70 won't be completed until at least 2028 or beyond.

Upcoming Events

Strengthen the Vine First Fridays

Friday, May 1, 2026 from 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Enjoy local vendors, live entertainment and family fun. Due to construction on 18th Street, there are three partner venues where festivities will be held.

• American Jazz Museum Atrium (1616 E 18th Street) - Indoor activation space welcoming district guests and visitors
• Jay McShann Pavilion (E 17th Terrace & Vine Street) - Outdoor hub for entertainment and community gatherings
• 2000 Vine Facility/Vine Street Brewery - New indoor and outdoor vendor activities (retail and non-profit only at this location, no food or beverage - email [email protected])
• Vendors and entrepreneurs can apply here to participate in the event
• Local artists can apply here to participate in the event

Jamming at the Juke - First Thursdays Jam Session

Thursday, May 07, 2026 from 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Every first Thursday of the month, the KC Juke House comes alive with "Jammin' at the Juke," a vibrant jam session. Both seasoned musicians and enthusiastic listeners gather to enjoy an evening filled with live music, spontaneous collaborations, and soulful rhythms.

• KC Juke House (1700 E 18th Street)
• Full-service bar and menu

Streetcar Feasibility Study

The 18th & Vine Streetcar Feasibility Study is well-underway, with the project team collecting community feedback on a potential streetcar extension and draft alignment alternatives. Stay tuned for public engagement opportunities and learn more about the project online!

Impact of Closures & Permitting

Events traditionally held on 18th Street will be impacted by active construction zones. For the safety of event participants, event organizers must relocate festivities to The Paseo between Truman Road and 18th Street or consider an alternate location (outside of 18th Street) within the Jazz District during this period. Kansas City is committed to supporting these events and looks forward to welcoming them back to an improved and revitalized 18th Street in the future. For questions about event permitting or location changes, please contact David Warren with the Kansas City Permit Division.

Business Resources

There are resources for both active and potential businesses owners provided through Kansas City BizCare. The program acts as a one-stop shop for entrepreneurs, providing guidance on navigating the city's licensing, permitting, and approval processes, as well as connecting them with relevant resources and support organizations. Kansas City BizCare also helps businesses access capital programs and promotes economic mobility.

Newsletter Sign Up

Now anyone can sign up to receive newsletter updates through a new feature on the Revive the Vine webpage. Anybody who is interested in being on the newsletter mailing list can enter their email address in the section that says "sign up for email updates" in the top right corner of the page. If you know of anyone who doesn't receive our weekly newsletter, you're encouraged to refer them to the website.

MORE ABOUT REVIVE THE VINE

Revive the Vine is Kansas City's $400+ million reinvestment initiative in the historic 18th & Vine Jazz District. The program combines major public infrastructure projects with private development to restore cultural landmarks, expand housing, improve walkability, and support neighborhood vitality.

As part of the initiative, the City is also working to activate vacant storefronts by bringing in small businesses, artists, and entrepreneurs-ensuring 18th & Vine remains a vibrant cultural and commercial destination for generations to come.

City Developments:

Project #1 - 18th St Pedestrian Plaza

• Pedestrian mall on 18th Street between The Paseo and Woodland Avenue
• Curbs, gutters, and parking in project area will be removed to create a seamless corridor for pedestrian activity
• Can be closed to vehicle traffic during public events.
• Medallions for the American Jazz Walk of Fame to be refurbished and reinstalled along 18th Street
• Major construction is officially underway, with completion expected in May 2026
• Total cost: $8 Million +

Project #2 - 18th and Lydia Parking Garage

• New city-owned parking garage located at 1819 Lydia Avenue
• The goal for the parking garage is to accommodate for 470 spots
• Major construction started in June 2025, with completion expected by June 2026
• Parking pricing negotiations ongoing
• Ribbon cutting ceremony scheduled for Friday, May 22, 2026
• Total cost: $20 Million

Project #3 - Paseo Streetscape improvements

• Aesthetic improvements from E 17th Terrace to KC Terminal Railway
• Modification of the 3 lane-configuration in either direction of the Paseo Boulevard to increase the width of the median by eliminating the inside lanes in both directions from E 17th Terrace to the bridge crossing the KC Terminal Railway
• Major construction expected to start by the end of 2026, with completion expected by Fall 2027
• Estimated total cost: $1 Million

Project #4 - Paseo Blvd. Shared Use Path

• Off-street shared use path on the East side of Paseo, between from Admiral Boulevard to 18th Street
• The "East Leg" of the Green Line Initiative
• Construction is expected to start by the end of 2026 and be completed by summer 2027.
• Total cost: $1.7 Million
• A public engagement meeting for this project was held August 5, 2025.

Project #5 - Archive Plaza Project

• Involves the installation of a fountain and statues at 18th and Paseo
• Plaza area to span from 18th Street to Truman Road
• Part of the overall plan for Paseo Streetscape Improvements
• Design phase, construction start date pending
• Total cost pending

Project #6 - I-70 Second Tier EIS/I-70 Paseo Blvd to I-435 :

• Includes the design and reconstruction of the I-70 corridor from The Paseo to Manchester
• Project is already in progress, with work on the 23rd Street bridge and the 25th Street pedestrian bridge taking place in 2025
• MoDOT will be working on the Cleveland Avenue bridge, 27th Street bridge, Lister Avenue bridge and the Oakley Avenue pedestrian bridge in phases throughout 2026
• Three lanes of I-70 will be open in each direction during the 2026 FIFA World Cup
• An 11-month highway shutdown anticipated for 2027
• Work expected to continue through Winter 2028
• Total budget: $237 million

Project #7 - Blues Park Improvements

• Involves constructing an outdoor roller skate rink and new restroom at Blues Park
• Estimated Total Cost: $1.7 Million
• Construction on the roller skate rink is delayed, project went through redesign
• Project bids opened in December 2025, with construction expected to start in Spring 2026
• New bathrooms were installed in Summer 2025 and utility coordination has been completed.

Project #8 - Washington-Wheatley Neighborhood improvements

• Resurfacing and ADA improvements between 18th Street to 23rd Street between Prospect and Indiana (in Washington Wheatley Neighborhood)
• Installing sidewalks and curbs around 19th and Agnes
• Pre-design phase, construction start date pending
• Total Cost: $500,000

Project #9 - American Jazz Museum Redevelopment

• Modernization of the American Jazz Museum's facilities and the construction of new spaces
• Relocating the Blue Room performance space to accommodate 180-200 guests
• Creating a new café and expanded retail area
• Reorganizing exhibit spaces, including new temporary exhibition areas
• Improving back-of-house operations for greater efficiency
• Funding announced in February 2026, construction start date pending
• Total Cost: $3.5 million

Private Developments:

Project #10 - One Nine Vine Phase 2

Project #11 - The Parker

Project #12 - Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and Hotel

• Development of a "NLBM Campus" on 18th and Paseo, featuring a new Negro Leagues Baseball Museum facility and a new multi-studio hotel.
• New museum will be a 30,000 square foot, two-story facility with enhanced exhibits, galleries, tech-enabled displays and an outdoor street level courtyard
• "The Pennant" will be a Marriott Tribute hotel, featuring 80 rooms, dining options, retail spaces, conference and meeting rooms, event spaces and ground floor and rooftop bars.
• New museum and hotel will be integrated and connected to the revamped Buck O'Neil Research Center (the old Paseo YMCA building)
• Developer: Grayson Capital
• Major construction is expected to start by the end of 2026.
• Click here to watch footage of the rendering reveal ceremony!
• Total Cost: $30 Million +, seeking funding for completion

Project #13 - 18th and Lydia Housing

• Multi-family housing around the city-owned garage at 1819 Lydia Avenue
• A plaza will connect this development to the overarching "NLBM Campus" and parking garage
• Roughly 150 units with supporting amenity spaces and a small amount of commercial space facing 18th street on the ground level
• Developers: Grayson Capital
• Major construction expected to start by the end of 2026
• Total cost pending

Project #14 - Boone Theater

• Historic rehab of Boone Theater (1701 E. 18th Street) and construction of an outdoor event space
• Will feature the Black Movie Hall of Fame
• Developers: Vine Street Collaborative LLC
• Construction underway, grand opening set for May 1, 2026
• Estimated Total Cost: $8.7 Million

Project #15 - Parade Park Neighborhood

• Involves the redevelopment of an existing 510-unit housing cooperative
• Project is underway, with ongoing relocation efforts
• Groundbreaking ceremony held Friday, October 24, 2025
• Demolition is underway as of February 2026
• All phases are expected to be completed in 7-10 years
• Total Cost: $300 Million +