May 29 Update - Revive the Vine

For Immediate Release: Friday, May 29, 2026

18th Street Pedestrian Mall Grand Opening

Wednesday, March 27, 2026 marked the grand opening of the 18th Street Pedestrian Mall, a major milestone in the restoration of the Jazz District and the overarching Revive the Vine effort. Community members, businesses owners and City officials gathered for a celebration and an open house, the first of many events to come utilizing the newly revamped corridor.Thank you to the 18th and Vine community and business owners for their patience and support throughout the construction process; this effort would not have been possible without you all.

Jazz District Parking Garage Now Open

The Jazz District Garage is now open. Parking will be free of charge for the first two weeks of operation. Starting June 8, the following pricing structure will go into effect:

• Daily parking - $5
• Event parking - $10
• Monthly parking - $65

This garage will also be one of two City-owned garages selected to facilitate a Park & Ride service through RideKC during the FIFA World Cup. More details about the Park & Ride service can be found below in the "World Cup Park & Ride Service" section.

New Bike Share Station

A new Bike Share KC station has been implemented off 18th Street and Highland Avenue (next to the GEM Theater). This allows people to use the Bike Share KC mobile app to check out bicycles that can be used across the City. People can scan the QR code on any Bike Share KC to unlock the bike and start your ride. Be sure to setup the Bike Share KC app and load a payment method before scanning. You must be 18 years old or older to use a Bike Share KC bicycle.

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.

Pedestrian Mall: Finishing Touches & New Parking Options

Crews are working through the weekend to put some finishing touches on the 18th Street Pedestrian Mall. All work is anticipated to be completed on Monday, June 1, 2026:

• Highland Avenue closed to traffic until the end of the day on Monday
• 18th Street closed to traffic until the end of the day on Monday
• Crews are implementing new signage and finishing up landscaping work

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

• New on-street parking spaces have been implemented along the Paseo between 18th to 19th Street, and also between 18th to E 17th Terrace. These spots are available for 2 hour parking between 7 AM - 6 PM on weekdays.
• Parking is permitted on 18th Street to the east of Woodland Avenue, except for the signed bus stop area.

Blues Park: Groundbreaking Held for Roller-Skating Rink

On May 21, 2026, Kansas City Parks and Recreation officially broke ground on the next phase of a $1.7 million revitalization project at Blues Park - highlighted by a brand-new 16,000-square-foot outdoor roller-skating rink, new 8-foot-wide sidewalks and pathway connections, and a new 18-20 stall parking lot:

• Crews expected to start pouring concrete if weather allows
• Minimal public-facing impacts at this point in the project
• Construction is expected to be substantially completed toward the end of August 2026

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.
• No anticipated completion date has been announced yet.

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.

New 18th & Vine Welcoming Center

Kansas City is preparing to open the new 18th & Vine Welcome Center on Monday, June 1, 2026. This Welcome Center will serve as a direct connection between the community and the City of Kansas City. Located at 1516 E 18th Street, this new center acts as a central hub for community resources, city services, and support. Eventually, the Welcome Center will also showcase a curated selection of merchandise from talented local vendors. The Welcome Center will be open Monday through Friday between 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

New Businesses Coming to 18th Street

Kansas City and the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City (EDCKC) are excited to announce that more than 20 local businesses, artists, and organizations have been matched to storefronts across the city through the Open Doors!program, and some of those businesses are coming to the Jazz District! Here's what's coming to 18th Street:

• Boxx Décor Co. - 1710-1712 E 18th Street

An elevated home décor experience offering curated, ready-to-style interior pieces.

• Grind LLC - 1708 E 18th Street

A lifestyle-driven coffee and culture brand rooted in community and daily ritual.

• Haus 1512: Powered by Cupcakin - 1512 E 18th Street

A beloved local bakery known for its handcrafted cupcakes and vibrant flavors.

• Safi Fresh - 1512 E 18th Street (Collaborative Space)

A fresh food and catering concept focused on quality ingredients and community connection.

World Cup Park & Ride Service

Kansas City is offering a new option for convenient access to FIFA Fan Festival ™. A park and ride service through Park KC will allow residents and visitors to park at designated City garages and ride a shuttle directly to and from festivities at the National WWI Museum and Memorial.

Park and Ride Locations:

• Jazz District Garage - 1819 Lydia Avenue

• West Bottoms Garage - 1601 State Line Road

This park and ride service will be available on the 18 days that FIFA Fan Festival™ will be active, with ADA accessible buses available at both the West Bottoms Garage and the new Jazz District Garage. Shuttles will start their routes two hours before activities begin and will run up to one hour after activities conclude.

Parking passes are $11 per vehicle, and shuttle passes are $11 per person. Both parking passes and shuttle passes are available online through kcmo.gov/parking. Passes must be purchased online in advance.

This program is separate from transportation services provided through ConnectKC2026. Park KC's service is meant to provide an additional option to get fans to and from FIFA Fan Festival™.

"18 Vine 3D" Launches Online

The Gem Cultural and Educational Center has launched a free, immersive digital experience honoring the historic 18th & Vine Jazz District - Kansas City's legendary hub of Black creativity, entrepreneurship, and jazz innovation. 18Vine3D.com allows users to step inside the streets, encounter the legends, and feel the living history of a community that changed American culture forever. Come celebrate the history and cultural legacy of 18th and Vine through "18Vine3D."

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 reinstalled along 18th Street
• Major construction started June 2025
• Grand opening held May 27, 2026, pedestrian mall is now open to the public
• 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
• Project completed May 2025, now open to the public
• 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
• MoDOT led project, but the City will be adding aesthetic enhancements to the Prospect Avenue bridge onto the highway
• 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 was delayed, project went through redesign
• Project bids opened in December 2025
• Construction of roller-skating rink now underway, with completion expected in August 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

• Project now complete and open to the public.
• Historic rehab of Boone Theater (1701 E. 18th Street) and construction of an outdoor event space
• Features the Black Movie Hall of Fame
• Developers: Vine Street Collaborative LLC
• 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 +