For immediate release: Friday, January 30, 2025

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, winter weather impacts, long-term wayfinding and upcoming events.

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. Please be advised that ongoing winter weather is causing construction progress to slow down.

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:

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 expected to be completed and ADA accessible in February. When work shifts to the north sidewalk, that portion will not be ADA accessible until the new sidewalk is completed. Crews will start in the middle of the sidewalk, so there is still a place for people to access the entrance to KC Juke House and Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey.
• New sidewalk is now walkable 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 wooden streetlights between Highland Avenue and Woodland Avenue will be coming down in early February. This is because sidewalk work on the north side of the street is expected to start as soon as weather permits. 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 by the end of February. Crews have completed the installation on the south side of the intersection but are now working on the north side as well. All that remains on the south side is testing and the transfer of services.
• 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 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.

Constructors on the 18th and Lydia Parking Garage project continue to make good progress, with the second floor now erected:

• Underground work on Lydia Avenue was delayed due to weather. This is expected to take around two weeks.
• Project team to start drive approaches and ADA ramps in February.

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.

Winter Weather Trash Impacts

• Trash and recycling collection is operating on a one-day delay due to winter weather. 
• Residents will be able to set out two (2) extra bags without trash tags on Saturday, January 31, 2026 to make up for the cancelation on Saturday, January 24, 2026.
• Bulky item pickup appointments from January 24 will be addressed on January 31

Jazz District Wayfinding Feedback Opportunity

New wayfinding signage is coming to the historic 18th and Vine Jazz District and Kansas City is seeking community feedback on that proposed wayfinding. You can learn more about the proposed signage plan and leave comments with your input by accessing this new webpage. The City wants to hear what residents think about the following:

• Proposed Sign Locations 
  • Do the proposed locations make sense?
  • Are there places where signage would be more helpful?
  • Are any locations unnecessary or confusing? 
• Destinations & Landmarks to Display on the Signs 
  • Text-based labels 
  • Directional arrows 
  • Optional symbols/icons 
  • Estimated walking times 
• Criteria for Destination Selection/Ensuring Consistency and Longevity
  • Landmarks are symbolic or representative of the 18th & Vine character 
  • Landmarks are public-serving (cultural, civic, historic, or community-oriented) 
  • Landmarks are likely to remain relevant for 5–10 years 
  • Landmarks are within an appropriate walking radius

• About "Finger Posts” – these small pedestrian signs include: 
  • Arrows pointing to selected destinations 
  • Readable text labels 
  • Walking time estimates 
  • Optional icons for clarity 

• About “Vicinity Map Kiosks” - The 18th & Vine kiosk may include: 
  • A large map showing nearby destinations 
  • A legend of key cultural or historic sites 
  • District orientation (You Are Here) 
  • Historic information or narrative panels 
  • Public transit, bike share & other transportation-related information (e.g., Parking) 
  • May include space for future district updates or storytelling elements that reflect the area’s heritage 

The goal is to help visitors and residents navigate the district with ease. Please submit feedback online for the proposed wayfinding plan by February 4, 2026. 

Tuesday, February 3, 2026 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM 

Kansas City, The KC Streetcar Authority (KCSA) and the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) are conducting a feasibility study about extending the streetcar east from Main Street to the 18th & Vine District. The community is invited to review information and provide feedback at the first public meeting about the study. 

• Keystone CoLAB (800 E. 18th Street) 
• Opportunities, challenges, and vision for the 18th Street corridor 
• Review opportunities, challenges and vision for the 18th Street corridor 
• Will include background on the study, purpose and need, and project timeline 
• Information about screening criteria used to evaluate the alignment options 
• An opportunity for the community to review two different streetcar alignment options
• The official study area includes Wyandotte Street to Woodland Avenue, and 17th Street to 20th Street 

Other Upcoming Events

Opening Reception for "The Life of a Film Critic: As Told by Shawn Edwards"

Friday, February 6, 2026 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM   

The Black Archives of Mid-America is celebrating the kickoff of their February exhibition “The Life of A Film Critic: As Told by Shawn Edwards” with this event. Edwards has been on television reviewing movies and television shows for more than 25 years.

• The Black Archives of Mid-America (1722 E 17th Terrace)
• Food and drinks will be available at the reception 
• FREE to attend the reception 
• The exhibit “The Life of A Film Critic: As Told by Shawn Edwards” is open from February 2 through February 26 at the Black Archives of Mid-America 
• The exhibit is FREE 
• Both the exhibit and reception will feature movie posters, photographs and artifacts from Shawn Edwards’ career in the film industry 
• The exhibition and reception are in partnership with the forthcoming Black Movie Hall of Fame, which is opening in the renovated Boone Theatre in 2026

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 

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 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 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
• 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, 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

• 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 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
• All phases are expected to be completed in 7-10 years
• Total Cost: $300 Million +