PRESS RELEASE
Kansas City leaders Sen. Roy Blunt and Rep. Emanuel Cleaver announced Friday the first step in realizing a new vision for the South Loop Link. Efforts to build this innovative open space will begin with planning and design teams creating a destination park in the heart of downtown.
Private investment from local landowners and other stakeholders will fund the engineering and design phase which is expected to last 12-18 months. State and federal partners have indicated strong support for funding the full cost of construction.
“Kansas City is already a great place to live, work and visit, and the South Loop Link project will make it even better,” said Senator Roy Blunt. “With its central location, proximity to top colleges and universities, and emerging opportunities in agriculture and biomedical research, the Kansas City area is well positioned for continued growth and economic development. Smart infrastructure investments like this will improve the quality of life and give families and businesses more reason to make a long-term commitment to the region. I am proud to join Mayor Lucas, Congressman Cleaver, Governor Parson, and all local stakeholders working together to move this project forward.
“Today is an exciting day in Kansas City as we announce significant progress being made to build a lid over I-670 as part of our efforts to continue building our downtown corridor for residents, visitors and businesses,” said Mayor Lucas. “Not only will this park create a more exciting and immersive experience for anyone spending time downtown, it will also help to significantly reduce noise and air pollution from the freeway, creating communities healthier. I thank Senator Roy Blunt, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, Governor Mike Parson and everyone who worked to make this project a reality.
The South Loop Link project will create a new outdoor amenity for downtown residents, visitors and employees covering 5.5 acres on Interstate 670 from Wyandotte Street to Grand Boulevard. This park will connect neighborhoods previously separated by Highway 670, create much-needed public park and green space for the downtown core, add green infrastructure and trees, and reduce the environmental impacts of the highway below. It will also potentially include a green mobility hub with easy access to multimodal transportation, access to regional employment, healthy living space, playgrounds, dog parks, arts and amphitheater programs and entertainment. other opportunities for social engagement.
The City of Kansas City has partnered with the Downtown Council to seek state and federal funding for this project.
“The South Loop Link has been identified as a catalyst project in the Imagine Downtown KC 2030 strategic plan,” said Bill Dietrich, President and CEO of Downtown Council. “This is an opportunity to physically unite the Central Business District and Crossroads Arts District with a destination park featuring an open green lawn, public art and outdoor seating with shaded structures. is a game changer located in the heart of downtown KC.”
“Congratulations to Kansas City for moving this important project forward. This announcement is a manifestation of perseverance and is made possible through extensive public and private cooperation,” said Missouri Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe. “I look forward to the completion of this transformation project linking the north and south sides of downtown.
Loews Hotels & Co, owner and operator of the Loews Kansas City Hotel, has previously provided financial support for the planning of the South Loop Link.
The estimated cost of the total project is approximately $160 million, an amount subject to change as the design process progresses. Downtown Council estimates that when fully constructed, the project will unlock significant development opportunities in the 50-acre Crossroads area south of 670, increase nearby property values by more than $90 million, and catalyze an impact cost saving of $490 million, producing a 4:1 leverage effect on the total initial investment.
The improvement would also maximize the community’s $2.3 billion investment in the Power & Light District, T-Mobile Center, Loews Kansas City Hotel, Kauffman Performing Arts Center and KC Streetcar.
Media inquiries can be directed to Media Relations Manager Maggie Green at 816-379-6562.