City of Kansas City, MO

02/13/2026 | Press release | Archived content

February 13 Update - Revive the Vine

For immediate release: Friday, February 13, 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, announcements related to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and American Jazz Museum, holiday trash impacts, the 18th and Vine Streetcar Feasibility Study and upcoming events.

NLBM Campus Plans Unveiled

The Negro League Baseball Museum has revealed more about their vision for the future NLBM Campus. This historic development includes an upgraded museum facility and the Marriott-affiliated "Pennant Hotel," which will connect to the Buck O'Neil Education and Research Center (the historic Paseo YMCA building).

Museum Features:

  • New 30,000 square foot, two-story facility adjacent to the historic Paseo YMCA
  • Enhanced exhibits, galleries, and tech-enabled displays
  • Outdoor street level courtyard

Hotel Features:

  • 80 rooms
  • Conference, meeting and event spaces
  • Dining options
  • Ground floor bar and a roof-top bar
  • Retail spaces

This reveal comes on the anniversary of the day the Negro National League was established, which was February 13, 1920. The history that was made that day at the Paseo YMCA will be honored on those very same grounds; a tribute to the legacy of the Negro Leagues.

American Jazz Museum & Blue Room Improvements Announced

The Kansas City Council approved $3.2 million to renovate and expand the American Jazz Museum in the Historic Jazz District. The project includes modernizing the museum's facilities and creating new spaces for visitors to experience Kansas City's rich jazz heritage:

  • 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

The $3.5 million project will be funded through a combination of city resources and museum contributions:

  • $1.2 million from the 3rd District PIAC Contingency Fund
  • $2 million from the Convention and Sports Complex Fund
  • $300,000 matching contribution from the American Jazz Museum

Read more about this historic investment by clicking here!

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.

Pedestrian Mall Construction Progress: 18th St (Paseo - Woodland) Closed to Traffic, Update on Parking

Active construction continues on 18th Street between The Paseo and Woodland Avenue. Sidewalks on the north side of 18th Street between Paseo and Woodland are still open during this time, but are not connected at the intersections yet. Construction impacts include:

  • 18th Street is closed to traffic from The Paseo to Woodland Avenue and is expected to remain closed throughout the duration of the project.
  • Limited on-street parking on Highland Avenue between 17th Terrace and 18th Street.
  • No on-street parking on Highland Avenue from 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.
At this point in the season, many aspects of construction work are weather dependent, particularly concrete related work:
  • Crews continue to make progress as temperatures allow.
  • Concrete work is now complete on 18th Street between The Paseo and Vine Street.
  • Crews are nearing completion of concrete work between Vine Street and Highland Avenue and continue to add various features. When water line work on Highland Avenue is completed, work on the 18th Street and Highland Avenue intersection will begin.
  • Restoration work continues between Highland Avenue and Woodland Avenue. Crews have completed the sidewalk on the south side of the street and have shifted efforts to the sidewalk on the north side. This sidewalk work is impacting accessibility and temporary street lighting.
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 south sidewalk between Highland Avenue and Woodland Avenue is now complete and ADA accessible; work has shifted to the north sidewalk.
  • Access to the entrances of KC Juke House and Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey are being maintained, as crews are starting in the middle of the sidewalk and working their way out. Work will need to be done in front of those businesses to complete the north sidewalk in several weeks.
  • There is a new, temporary crosswalk at the 18th Street and Highland Avenue intersection to connect the north sidewalk to the south sidewalk. While this walkway is not fully ADA-accessible, it is still providing connectivity in the intersection. This crosswalk will be upgraded as construction progresses.
  • 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.
  • Sidewalks in front of the American Jazz Museum and the NLBM are now walkable again.
  • There is also ADA access to the American Jazz Museum and the NLBM through the ramped path along the back-side of the businesses (on E 17th Terrace). This entrance to the American Jazz Museum connects to The Blue Room and NLBM through the atrium.
  • New 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 should still be careful to avoid any ongoing restoration work in that general area.
  • 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.

Street Lighting Update

New streetlight poles have arrived:

  • New streetlights are not expected to be installed or illuminated until the new controller is installed, which will be closer to February-March.
  • Temporary streetlights were moved on 18th Street between Highland Avenue and Woodland Avenue to make room for the work that is underway on the north side of the street. These lights will be replaced by long-term streetlights as the construction process progresses.

Water Line Updates Across Construction

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

  • Water main replacement work on Highland Avenue has started and is expected to be completed over the next month. Crews have completed the installation on the south side of the intersection but are now working on the north side as well.
  • Testing and the transfer of services on the south side of Highland Avenue will start in the next few weeks. Residents will be notified in advance of any disruptions.
  • With work underway on Highland Avenue, parking is not permitted on the north side of the road between E 17th Terrace and 18th Street.
  • Crews have finished work on the final main tie-in at the intersection of Vine Street and 19th Street.
  • Lanes are still closed to through traffic on Vine Street between 18th Street and 19th Street for now.

Boone Theater: Highland Closure Details

Renovations on the Boone Theater continue, 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.

The Parker: Construction Starting on Vine Street (18th St to 19th St), Upcoming Pedestrian Detour

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.
  • Crews are currently hauling large amounts of dirt to the work site
  • Crews are halfway done with excavation of the site.
  • For the first few months of this project, there will be minimal public impact, as crews are doing work that sets the stage for major construction later.

18th and Lydia Parking Garage: Strong Progression

Constructors on the 18th and Lydia Parking Garage project continue to make good progress:

  • 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.
  • Project team has started drive approaches and ADA ramps.
  • Elevator installation is expected in the coming weeks.
  • Well on track to open for public use by June 1, 2026.

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 on the 18th Street Pedestrian Mall project, constructors are still working towards hitting their goal of completing construction by the beginning of June 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 also be completed by June 2026. As for the Boone Theater and The Parker, both private owners 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.

Holiday Trash Impact

There will be no Trash & Recycling collections on Monday, February 16, 2026 in observance of Presidents Day. Collections will resume on a one-day delay on Tuesday, February 17, 2026:

  • Monday collection - Tuesday, February 17, 2026
  • Tuesday collection - Wednesday, February 18, 2026
  • Wednesday collection - Thursday, February 19, 2026
  • Thursday collection - Friday, February 20, 2026
  • Friday collection - Saturday, February 21, 2026

Streetcar Feasibility Study Feedback Opportunity

Thank you to everyone who attended the 18th & Vine Streetcar Feasibility Study Open-House event on Tuesday, February 3, 2026! The study is well-underway, with the project team collecting community feedback on a potential streetcar extension and draft alignment alternatives.

If you couldn't make it to the meeting, there's still time to give your feedback. A survey is available online until 11:59 PM on Friday, February 27, 2026:

Upcoming Events

2nd Annual Reel Black Festival

Friday, February 20, 2026 and Saturday, February 21, 2026

This two-day festival will showcase a compelling curation of local short and feature-length films from Black filmmakers across the Midwest.

  • GEM Theater (1615 E 18th Street) & the American Jazz Museum (1616 E 18th Street)
  • The official selection of films will be announced on Monday, January 12, 2026
  • Features screenings, panel discussions with filmmakers and local vendors
  • Tickets available online
  • PBS has now released this year's film selections. View the online list here
  • A blend of a lecture and informal performance
  • FREE event

2026 Black History Month Luncheon

Saturday, February 21, 2026 from 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

The Black Archives of Mid-America hosts an annual celebration honoring the rich legacy, achievements, and cultural contributions of African Americans.

  • Marriott Downtown Kansas City (200 West 12th Street)
  • Features keynote speakers, special guests, and reflections that pay tribute to the past while looking toward a future of unity, justice, and progress
  • Tickets are available online, there are multiple tiers and sponsorship levels:
    • Individual tickets: $125
    • VIP tickets: $300
    • Sponsorship levels range from $1,500 - $25,000

3rd District Mobility Plan Public Meeting

Wednesday, February 25, 2026 from 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Community members are invited to attend a second public engagement event for the 3rd District Mobility Plan. The goal is to get a better understanding of community preferences related to non-motorized mobility (walking, biking, scootering, mobility devices, and other means) in the City's 3rd District.

  • Lucile H. Bluford Library (3050 Prospect Avenue)
  • Project team is currently wrapping up a draft plan and would like the community to review and provide input one more time before the plan is finalized for adoption.
  • Project is being led by Kansas City Public Works, in collaboration with Kansas City's Planning and Parks Departments and consultants from GFT (Transystems).
  • The last public meeting on this topic was in October 2025 and community feedback was taken into consideration to shape the current draft plan.

  • If you're interested in having a member of the project team give a presentation at your next neighborhood association meeting, please contact [email protected]

Black Movie Hall of Fame Launch Event

Saturday, February 28th, 2026 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Celebrate the launch of the forthcoming Black Movie Hall of Fame with a night of music, movies and a conversation with Shawn Edwards, a long-time film critic and the Executive Director for the Black Movie Hall of Fame.

  • Boone Theater (1701 E. 18th Street)
  • Tickets: $25
  • Tables: $250

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 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.

Kansas City Developments:

Project #1 - 18th St Pedestrian Mall

  • Pedestrian plaza 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
  • 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 June 2026
  • Total cost: $8 Million +
  • When the first phase of work is complete, there will be a ceremony to celebrate. Keep an eye on the City event calendar for more information.

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
  • Art installation open house held Wednesday, January 7, 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 August 2026 and be complete by May 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 May 2026 and be complete by Nov. 2026
  • 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 Total budget: $237 million
  • 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
  • As of Summer 2025, new bathrooms have been installed and utility coordination has been completed.
  • Construction on the roller skate rink is delayed, project went through redesign
  • Project bids opening in December 2025, with construction expected to start in Spring 2026
  • Estimated Total Cost: $1.7 Million

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

Private Developments:

Project #9 - One Nine Vine Phase 2

Project #10 - The Parker

Project #11 - Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and Hotel

  • Development of a new Negro Leagues Baseball Museum facility, including a multi-studio, 7 story hotel
  • 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.
  • Total Cost: $30 Million, seeking funding for completion

Project #12 - 18th and Lydia Housing

  • Multi-family housing on top of and around the city-owned garage at 1819 Lydia Avenue
  • 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 after June 2026
  • Total cost pending

Project #13 - Boone Theater

  • Historic rehab of Boone Theater (1701 E. 18th Street) and construction of an outdoor event space
  • Developers: Vine Street Collaborative LLC
  • Construction underway, expected to be completed by June 2026
  • Estimated Total Cost: $8.7 Million

Project #14 - Parade Park Neighborhood

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

City of Kansas City, MO published this content on February 13, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on February 17, 2026 at 16:21 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]