downtown

The open-air venue in Kansas City's Power & Light District, originally built with millions in public funds, has been home to concerts and watch parties for major sporting events. Upgrades are slated for completion by next spring.

Union Station opened in 1914 as one of Kansas City's biggest architectural achievements. After being saved from disrepair, the building is now both a functional train depot and a key tourist destination, with restaurants, history exhibits and more.

Kansas City's new downtown parking policy during events is catching some drivers by surprise. Plus: Why did a master bootmaker from Italy choose small-town Kansas to continue his craft?

An event parking policy approved by the city this summer means increased prices to park in some areas downtown if there's an event nearby.

Kansas City had one of the largest garment districts in the nation, and the industry was the second-largest employer in the metro. An institution that tells the story of the downtown Garment District will close this month.

Kansas City lawmakers recently approved millions in state and federal funding for the four-block South Loop project, getting them significantly closer to their fundraising goal. Officials hope the first half of the park could be finished by the 2026 World Cup.

The Current’s new riverfront stadium was meant to encourage fans to take transit, bike or walk to games instead of driving. But Kansas City still hasn’t caught up — and it’s left the team and other entertainment venues to fill in the gaps.

The Kansas City Royals say there are nearly 19,000 parking spaces within a 10-minute walk of their proposed stadium in the Crossroads Arts District, while other fans can get to games via public transit like buses or the streetcar. But local businesses say parking is already a problem.

When the Kansas City Chiefs won the Super Bowl last year, close to 1 million flooded the streets of downtown for a victory parade and rally. To celebrate their second win in a row, this Wednesday's event could bring even more — especially if Taylor Swift shows up.

A local baseball fan created a Facebook group to "save Kauffman Stadium" over two years ago. Now, their movement claims over 7,500 members, even as the campaign to build a new downtown Royals ballpark gains momentum and legislative support.

Members of the Jackson County Legislature voted to put a 3/8-cent sales tax extension on the April ballot, which would help fund a new Royals ballpark and renovations at Arrowhead Stadium. If voters approve the tax, both teams have committed to staying in Jackson County.

These special taxing districts are especially popular in the city's commercial and entertainment districts. But some reports have revealed a lack of accountability and oversight.