Marina
Kansas City’s iconic Country Club Plaza is making a comeback. After months of vacant storefronts, the shopping destination has announced two new retail tenants—Perch and J.H. & Sons—joining the previously announced Vertice Italian restaurant to breathe fresh life into its corridors.
These additions mark a turning point for the Plaza, which had struggled with high vacancy rates.
New Tenants and Projected Openings
Perch, a high-end women’s boutique based in Colorado, will take over the former White House Black Market space at 333 W. 47th Street, slated to open in fall 2025.
Meanwhile, J.H. & Sons, an upscale men’s clothing retailer from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is planning a spring 2026 opening in the 314–316 Ward Parkway buildings, previously home to event space and boutiques.
Vertice Italian, operated by Summit Hospitality Group, will replace the old Parkway Social Kitchen location at 616 Ward Parkway in 2026 as well. Summit Hospitality also runs Summit Grill, Third Street Social, Pearl Tavern, Boru Asian Eatery, and Neighborhood Cafe.
These new leases fall under the direction of The Village Collection, a Dallas-based ownership group that purchased the Plaza last year. The group pledged to restore the Plaza’s vitality by emphasizing local concepts and curated additions.
Context: Vacancy, Turnaround, and Revitalization
Historically, the Plaza has been a premier retail destination. But in May 2025, it faced a severe hit: nearly one-third of its storefronts were vacant, reflecting shifting retail trends and challenges.
With the new leases, the Plaza is taking a strategic approach: selectively filling gaps while preserving its architectural charm and community feel.
As part of this vision, the owners have also launched Plaza Provisions, a new food hall in the former Strang Hall space, complemented by the Momentum Lounge rooftop bar—both aiming to draw foot traffic and nightlife energy.
Project Summary: Key Info
| Project | Tenant | Location | Opening Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Women’s fashion | Perch | 333 W. 47th St. | Fall 2025 | Takes the former White House Black Market space |
| Men’s retailer | J.H. & Sons | 314–316 Ward Pkwy | Spring 2026 | Filling two adjacent storefronts |
| Italian restaurant | Vertice Italian | 616 Ward Pkwy | 2026 | Replacing Parkway Social Kitchen |
| Food & beverage | Plaza Provisions / Momentum Lounge | Former Strang Hall & rooftop | Already opened | Aims to boost evening activity |
These moves reflect a multi-pronged approach: retail, dining, and social spaces working together to revive vibrancy.
Why This Matters to Kansas City
- Economic Revival: New leases bring rent, jobs, and foot traffic back to an area that had lost momentum.
- Retail Confidence: Securing national and upscale tenants signals belief in the Plaza’s future.
- Complementary Mix: The blend of fashion, dining, and entertainment supports all-day visitation.
- Historic Preservation: The Plaza’s Moorish-inspired architecture remains central; new tenants are being selected to respect that heritage.
- Community Trust: The Village Collection promised “addition through subtraction”—bringing quality over quantity—and these openings are the first steps toward fulfilling that.
Merchants like Main Street Tavern, located near 37th and Main, are already hoping the extension of foot traffic from the Plaza’s resurgence will boost their business further.
Challenges Still Ahead
While these tenant announcements are encouraging, the Plaza is not out of the woods. The retail landscape continues to change rapidly, and landlords will need to:
- Retain and support tenants to avoid further churn
- Maintain strong marketing and events to draw visitors
- Ensure tenant mix is balanced—both local and national brands
- Keep up with infrastructure and maintenance to preserve shopper appeal
But the direction is promising: strategic, curated growth rather than filling every space hastily.
With Perch, J.H. & Sons, and Vertice Italian set to join the lineup, the Country Club Plaza is actively filling its gaps and moving toward a revitalized future.
These new leases—alongside Plaza Provisions and Momentum Lounge—showcase a thoughtful approach to restoring vibrancy to one of Kansas City’s most iconic shopping districts. If this momentum continues, the Plaza may well recapture its status as a premier destination for locals and visitors alike.