February 27 Update - Revive the Vine

For immediate release: Friday, February 27, 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 "call for artists" for the parking garage art installation, the 18th and Vine Streetcar Feasibility Study and upcoming events.

Parking Garage "Call for Artists" Reopened

In response to community feedback, Kansas City is reopening its call for qualified professional artists or artist teams to design, fabricate, and install a permanent public artwork for the 18th & Lydia Parking Garage in the historic 18th & Vine District:

• Eligible artists can apply here
• The deadline to apply is Monday, April 6, 2026
• Two to five semifinalists will be invited to advance to the RFP phase and submit design proposals.
• The maximum budget for the commissioned artwork is $165,000.
• Part of the One Percent for Art program

Eligibility is limited to professional visual artists or artist teams, age 18 or older, who are based in the Kansas City Combined Statistical Area (CSA). The CSA includes the following counties:

• Missouri: Andrew, Bates, Buchanan, Caldwell, Cass, Clay, Clinton, DeKalb, Jackson, Johnson, Lafayette, Platte, Ray
• Kansas: Atchison, Doniphan, Douglas, Franklin, Johnson, Leavenworth, Linn, Miami, Wyandotte

Virtual Q&A sessions with the public art administrator will be held on the following days:

• Wednesday, March, 11, 2026, at 5:30 PM
• Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 5:30 PM

For more information, visit the Call for Artists page on CaFÉ.

Updates on Construction and Progress

Construction continues across several Revive the Vine projects:

• 18th Street Pedestrian Mall
• 18th & Lydia Parking Garage
• The Parker Apartments
• Boone Theater reconstruction
• I-70 Second Tier EIS/I-70 Paseo Blvd to I-435
• Parade Park Neighborhood redevelopment

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.

• 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.

• 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. All the stamped concrete has successfully been installed. Crews have completed the sidewalk on the south side of the street and are finishing up the sidewalk on the north side. Crews are expected to finish the crosswalks and ADA ramps in this section over the next two weeks, weather permitting. This work is impacting accessibility.

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 usable again, but some patches are not ADA compliant yet. This work is expected to be completed over the next two weeks, weather permitting.
• Access to KC Juke House and Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey will be maintained, but work will be ongoing to bring the corners and crosswalks up to ADA standards.
• The south sidewalk between Highland Avenue and Woodland Avenue is now complete and ADA accessible.
• 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 is expected in March.
• Temporary streetlights will continue to illuminate the are until they are 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 by the end of March.
• Tie-ins on the south side will be happening over the next two weeks as weather allows. 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):

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.

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. Today is your last opportunity to fill out the online survey! You have until 11:59 PM on Friday, February 27, 2026 to give your feedback:

• Take the survey
• Learn more about the project

State of the Third District

Saturday, March 7, 2026 from 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

This annual community event brings together residents, partners, and leaders from across Kansas City to reflect on progress in the Third District and look ahead to the year to come. The first hour will feature information booths related to projects and initiatives happening within the district, followed by a program featuring speeches from elected officials.

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.

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 June 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
• Call for artists for art installation to reopen on Monday, February 23, 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
• 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

• Mixed use facilities off 19th Street between The Paseo and Vine Street
• Phase 1 is complete and includes multi-family housing at 1901 Vine Street
• Major construction expected to start by the end of 2026
• Total cost: $19.47 Million

Project #11 - The Parker

• 48 multi-family housing units above commercial-use facilities
• One 3-story building and one 4-story building
• Developer: 18th & Vine Developers LLC (made up of McCormack Baron Salazar, Avernir Group LLC and Taliferro and Browne)
• Early construction started in Summer 2025
• Estimated Total Cost: $20 Million +
• A groundbreaking ceremony was held May 5, 2025. Click here to read about the groundbreaking of this project!

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, expected to be completed by June 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 +