For immediate release: May 30, 2025

Construction is getting ready to start on a new City-owned parking garage in the historic 18th and Vine District. To celebrate this work, Kansas City will hold a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 from 12:15 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. at the corner of 18th Street and Lydia.

"Kansas City is proud to enhance the 18th & Vine Jazz District, promoting its growth and preserving its legacy as a premier cultural, entertainment, and housing district for generations to come," said Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas. "The City looks forward to building the infrastructure in parking and walkability to support thousands of residents and visitors for future developments in the Jazz District."

The $20 million garage will reconstruct an existing surface lot into a modern, multi-level facility, offering up to 470 parking spaces. The garage will feature enhanced fencing, lighting, and pavement improvements to better serve residents, visitors, and local businesses.

"This groundbreaking is more than just the start of a construction project-it's a milestone in our shared effort to revitalize one of Kansas City's most iconic neighborhoods. By investing in infrastructure that supports local businesses, residents, and future development, we're laying the foundation for lasting progress. I'm grateful to our city staff, community partners, and private developers for coming together to move the 18th & Vine District forward," said City Manager Mario Vasquez.

In partnership with the City, Grayson Capital will develop multi-family housing around the garage, bringing additional vitality and residential opportunities to the area.

"This new infrastructure at 18th & Vine will be the District's first, multilevel garage; designed to improve access, support cultural tourism, and power the continued economic vibrancy of this historic neighborhood," said Grayson Capital President Michael Collins. "It marks a major step forward in strengthening 18th & Vine as a destination for arts, heritage, and community."

The upcoming parking garage will serve other developments in the 18th and Vine District, such as the 18th Street Pedestrian Mall project that is set to start construction as early as June 2. Both major projects are a part of the overarching Revive the Vine initiative.

"Kansas City will realize multiple benefits from the first publicly funded parking garage on the East Side. Public Infrastructure may be taken for granted, but it's critical to a functioning city. I'm proud to have played a key role in making this happen" said 3rd District at-Large Councilmember Melissa Patterson Hazley.

Major construction on the 18th and Vine Parking Garage will start this June, with work expected to be complete in June 2026, ahead of the FIFA World Cup. Please join us for the parking garage groundbreaking ceremony on June 3 from 12:15 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

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.