For immediate release: Friday, November 7, 2025

The Historic 18th & Vine District is entering a new era, with multiple infrastructure projects underway and new business opportunities being offered. This Halloween edition of the Revive the Vine newsletter features details related to construction updates, Leaf & Brush curbside pickup, upcoming events and more.

Updates on Construction and Progress 

Construction has started on several Revive the Vine projects, including the 18th Street Pedestrian Mall, 18th and Lydia Parking Garage, The Parker Apartments, and the Boone Theater reconstruction. This work is causing several closures in the 18th and Vine District. Despite active construction and street closures, businesses are still open. Pedestrian walkways are maintained as much as possible, with safety precautions in place. A digital message board is in place near 22nd and The Paseo to warn drivers about upcoming detours.

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. As a result, 18th Street is closed to traffic from The Paseo to Woodland Avenue and is expected to remain closed through the duration of the project. During this time, there will be limited on-street parking on Highland Avenue between 17th Terrace and 18th Street and no on-street parking on Highland Avenue from 18th Street to 19th Street. Sidewalks on the north side of 18th Street between Highland and Woodland are still open. 

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. Staff members are also pursuing implementing parking spaces along The Paseo. This plan needs to pass the Parks & Recreation board before it can be implemented. 

Concrete pouring for sidewalks, roadway and landscaping beds continues between The Paseo and Highland Avenue. Crews are also adding decorative features and crossings.

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

While all businesses on 18th Street are accessible through ADA accessible pathways, there are portions of walkway where the paths are not ADA compliant due to active work. Pedestrians are advised to approach The Blue Room, American Jazz Museum, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and the GEM Theater from the west heading east. Pedestrians should follow all of the outlets along the fencing to stay out of active construction zones.  

There is also an ADA compliant path along the back-side of the businesses between Vine Street and Highland Avenue. There is a ramp along that path that leads to the back entrance of the American Jazz Museum, which connects to The Blue Room and NLBM through the atrium. This is the suggested route for pedestrians for the weekend of November 7, 2025 through November 9, 2025. 

Crosswalks were poured at the intersection of 18th Street and Vine Street to connect the north sidewalk to the south sidewalk. This walkway is expected to be solidified and walkable by early next week. Until that path has solidified, pedestrians are advised to access the American Jazz Museum, the Blue Room and the NLBM through the ADA compliant route along E 17th Terrace that was mentioned above.  

New sidewalks have been poured on the south side of 18th Street along Vine and wrapping around the Historic Lincoln Building. This work will continue over the next several weeks as restoration on Vine Street continues. Concrete is also being poured in that intersection. 

Sidewalk work on the south side of 18th Street next to the GEM Theater working west towards Vine Street has started, but crews have run into delays. Water main work near the GEM Theater has been completed, so work can now proceed on the drainage work in front of the GEM Theater. This drainage work is what still needs to be done before any new sidewalk can be installed from Highland Avenue to the front of the GEM Theater. The underground stormwater detention portion is under construction now.

Water Line Updates across Construction 

Service tie-ins are nearly complete on Vine Street between 18th Street and 19th Street, with work in that area shifting towards roadway restoration and construction related to the Parker. Lanes are still closed on Vine Street between 18th Street and 19th Street for this reason. 

The final main tie-in at the intersection of Vine Street and 19th Street is delayed. This work will require closing through traffic at 19th Street and Vine Street. Residents will be notified at least one week before the closure is implemented. During this time, the eastbound detour will shift from 19th Street to 22nd Street. The westbound detour will be to Truman Road. Residents living in the area will be able to get in and out. Contractors are also looking at adding plating to the roads outside of work hours. 

Crews are also nearing the final stages of tie-in work on Vine Street between 19th Street to the end of One Nine Vine, which has the southbound lane of that portion of Vine Street closed. This lane will reopen to traffic once restoration work is complete.

Boone Theater: Highland Ave Closure Details 

Highland Avenue from 18th Street to the end of the Boone Theater is closed to traffic due to work that needs to happen related to a new water line, green space renovation and more. Parking will not be permitted on Highland between 18th Street and 19th Street. South of the Boone Theater, roadways have been restriped to allow for two-way traffic. This configuration will be in place potentially until the end of the year.

Streetlight Updates; Temporary Lighting Solution Coming

Streetlights on 18th Street have been removed between The Paseo and Woodland Avenue and will be replaced during the reconstruction process. As a short-term solution, light plants are being borrowed to stage at the intersections of 18th Street and Vine Street and 18th Street and Highland Avenue through the weekend of November 7, 2025 through November 9, 2025.  

Staff members met with Black & McDonald crews last week to develop a plan to implement a longer-term solution for temporary streetlights. It will take at least 2 weeks before crews can activate these temporary streetlights. This is because specific concrete needs to be poured between Vine Street and Highland Avenue and demolition needs to be completed between Highland Avenue and Woodland Avenue before crews can install and properly electrify the temporary lights. 

Kansas City staff members are aware of numerous persisting issues with lighting in the area. Crews need to examine several lights that are out near Highland Avenue and the Urban Youth Academy to determine the individual issues and work to resolve them.

Spire Updates across Construction 

Spire has resolved the situation related to an unexpected gas leak on 18th Street between Woodland Avenue and Highland Avenue. There are no longer any public-facing impacts. 

Fiber Line Update

AT&T is continuing to address a damaged fiber line north of 18th Street, which is not expected to have a major public-facing impact. Crews are still splicing lines at E 17th Terrace and Highland Avenue and on the westside of Vine Street between 18th Street and E 17th Terrace. 

The Parker: Water Connection Complete; South-Side Streetscape Work Begins (Paseo–Vine)

Water line connection work for The Parker is now complete, with crews now shifting efforts towards working on lighting, sidewalks, and landscape beds on the south side of 18th Street between The Paseo and Vine Street. This work will not have any additional public-facing impact. There will also be construction work related to The Parker starting soon on Vine Street between 18th Street and 19th Street.

18th and Lydia Parking Garage: Continuing Progress

Constructors on the 18th and Lydia Parking Garage project continue to make good progress building upward. The second floor of the building has been erected, and crews continue to add walls and rebar to the structure.

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.

Holiday Trash Delay and Building Closures

All City buildings will be closed on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 in observance of the Veterans Day Holiday. Additionally, trash and recycling services will be delayed by one day this week due to the holiday. 

Upcoming Events

Strengthen the Vine First Fridays 

Friday, November 7, 2025 from 4:00 – 8:00 PM 

First Fridays returns tonight! 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  
• Zhou B. Art Center (1801 E 18th Street) – Indoor and outdoor vending, arts, and cultural programming opportunities  
• Vendors and entrepreneurs can apply here to participate in the event  
• Resident artists can apply here to display their work for free during First Fridays  
• Local businesses and organizations can apply here to host a promotional display booth  
• This monthly event is hosted by JuneteenthKC

Reflections of an Imperfect Art: Jazz, Bioethics, and the Moral Practice of Medicine 

Wednesday, November 12, 2025 starting at 6:00 PM 

Dr. Patrick T. Smith, a leading voice in bioethics and theology, will explore how jazz offers powerful metaphors for justice, equity, and the moral practice of medicine. 

• GEM Theater (1615 E 18th Street) 
• Lecture is free and open to the public, but online registration is required 
• Event will be in-person and livestreamed 
• Reception with live jazz and refreshments at 6:00 PM 
• Lecture begins at 7:00 PM

Soulful Sounds in Kansas City

Tuesday November 18th starting at 7:00 PM 

NYC-based R&B duo Acute Inflections presents an evening of music and comedy. 

• GEM Theater (1615 E 18th Street) 
• Tickets available online for $40.00 (VIP and Early Bird seats sold out) 
• Tickets available for $50.00 at the door 
• Complimentary snacks available throughout the show 
• Come dressed in Harlem Renaissance attire for a chance to win prizes 
• Proceeds from ticket sales help support the Renaissance Youth Center, a South Bronx-based charity that empowers inner-city youth through music education, after-school programs, and tutoring

What Dreams May Come 

Friday, November 21, 2025 & Saturday November 22, 2025 starting at 7:00 PM 

A choral performance from the Kansas City Women’s Chorus. 

• GEM Theater (1615 E 18th Street) 
• Two days of shows 
• Tickets are available online:  
• Adult tickets range from $23.50 - $38.50 
• Kids tickets are $16.50 
• This concert is supported in part by Kansas City's Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund

Metro All-District Band Performance 

Saturday, November 22, 2025 starting at 2:00 PM 

The Middle School All-District Jazz Band for the Kansas City Metro District No. 3 preforms at the GEM Theater. Residents can expect increased bus traffic during this time. 

• To make drop-offs as safe as possible – bus drivers are advised to drop the students off at E 17th Terrace & Vine Street. Drivers will be able to get out by turning around in the Gregg/Klice Community Center parking lot. 
• Students should proceed to the GEM Theater by walking south on Vine Street and crossing the wooden bridge connecting the north side of 18th Street to the south side. They should then proceed east on the new sidewalk leading up to the entrance of the GEM Theater.

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.

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 is expected to start in June 2025 and be complete by June 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
• Full scope of project is dependent on the final amount of funding available to MoDOT
• Project is already in progress, with a highway shutdown anticipated for June 2026
• Work expected to continue through Spring 2028
• Total cost pending

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, but is expected to start by the end of 2025
• 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

• 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 September 2025 and be complete by May 2027
• Total cost: $19.47 Million

Project #10 - 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)
• Construction expected to start June 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 #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 Fall of 2025.
• 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 already underway
• Sewer line utility coordination on Highland Ave. between 18th St. and 19th St. is currently stalled.
• 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
• All phases are expected to be completed in 7-10 years
• Total Cost: $300 Million +