development

The Linwood location was the first Costco in metro Kansas City and quickly became a retail hub. It generated millions in tax revenue for nearby housing. Now, the company is converting the store into one of its Costco Business Centers, focused on restaurant, small shop and office supplies, to open next spring.

Voters approved a five-year infusion into the fund this summer. Now, affordable housing projects across are using the funds to serve some of the city’s most vulnerable families.

Gillon Property Group, which owns the Plaza, says the empty lot is a “physical and psychological” problem and will be one of the first major redevelopment targets now that Port KC approved a major incentive package. The space was meant to host a Nordstrom, but the project was scrapped in 2022 after multiple delays.

Located just north of the Missouri River, North Kansas City has grown by more than 20% since 2020. Mayor Jesse Smith says it’s time to make updates while maintaining the community’s “small-town feel.”

The public agency voted to issue nearly $1.5 billion in bonds and tax breaks to Gillon Property Group early this week. Jon Stephens, the president and CEO of Port KC, says the deal is critical to the revitalization of the historic Plaza neighborhood.

The 11-page "community impact partnership agreement" commits at least $55 million to Kansas City over 30 years — approximately 9 cents back for every dollar the city is investing. Here’s what the public gets and how it compares to other deals.

Port KC’s Board of Commissioners approved an economic development package for Dallas-based Gillon Property Group’s plan to revitalize the historic Country Club Plaza. The leader of Kansas City Public Schools says the deal fails to meet their needs.

The city council approved a plan to repeal the city’s 45-year-old Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Program after a lawsuit from Missouri’s attorney general alleged discrimination against white men. Business owners want input on the new small-business program meant to replace it.

The Kansas City Plan Commission unanimously blocked a motion for a 384-foot data center on top of a historic building in the Quality Hill neighborhood. Community groups want a total ban on future data centers.

A Miami-based developer submitted a proposal to replace a historic building in downtown Kansas City with a 20-story data center. Then they worked with a Georgia-based organization to attach a preservation easement on the building. Residents worry it’s a fishy way to win tax incentives.

After opening this spring, the Rock Island Bridge development over the Kansas River welcomed scores of soccer fans for World Cup watch parties. The development is planning to host more festivals, public art, expanded historical programming and new retail opportunities.

The city will negotiate a deal with the team, which will give hundreds of millions in incentives so the Current can further develop the riverfront.