Kansas City’s Main Street streetcar extension is on track to begin operations by the third quarter of 2025, marking a significant milestone in the city’s urban development.
This $351 million project extends the streetcar line from the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) to Union Station, River Market, and beyond, enhancing connectivity and stimulating economic growth along the route.
Revitalization and Development Along the Streetcar Extension
The anticipation of the streetcar’s completion has spurred a wave of development projects, including historic renovations, new constructions, and strategic utilization of previously vacant lots.
Since 2017, over 1,400 new apartment units have been proposed or constructed along the extension, reflecting a robust investment in the area’s future.
Key Projects Along the Streetcar Extension
Here are twelve notable projects transforming the landscape along the streetcar extension:
| Project Name | Location | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2700 Main | 27th and Main Streets | Proposed 11-story office building with 400 parking spaces. The project received a 15-year tax break but has not progressed, leaving the land undeveloped. | On Hold |
| Streetcar Lofts | 31st Street | A 240-unit apartment complex comprising five residential buildings. The developer seeks a $9.4 million property tax break and plans to contribute $750,000 to Kansas City’s housing trust fund. Construction could begin this year. | Proposed |
| Arrive KC | 31st Street and Baltimore Ave | A 500,000-square-foot building offering 373 apartment units with amenities like a heated pool and yoga studio. The project received a 15-year property tax break and broke ground in 2023. Completion is expected by fall 2025. | Under Construction |
| ABC Storage Building | Linwood Blvd and Main Street | Restoration of the historic ABC Storage and Anderson Electric Car buildings into 57 apartment units with retail space. Construction is planned post streetcar completion. | Planned |
| 20 W. Linwood Blvd | Linwood Blvd and Main Street | Proposed construction of ten three-story apartment buildings totaling 60 units on the site of the former McGilley Midtown Chapel. | Proposed |
| 3435 Main | 34th Terrace and Main Street | An 80-unit apartment building using prefabricated pods, offering moderately affordable housing with rents ranging from $800 to $1,300 per month. The project received a 19-year, 95% property tax abatement and opened in 2023. | Completed |
| Main and Armour | Main Street and Armour Blvd | A development featuring 300 apartments, retail, and restaurant space. The project received a 15-year, 95% property tax abatement and plans to contribute $100,000 to the city’s housing trust fund. | Approved |
| 3620 Main | 36th and Main Streets | Renovation of the historic National Guard Armory into an event venue with a transportation museum on the upper floors. The project received a 10-year, 70% property tax break and could be completed by 2026. | Planned |
| The Monarch and the Netherland | 39th and Main Streets | Renovation of two historic buildings into 134 apartment units with a rooftop bar. The project received a 25-year tax abatement and reopened in 2020. | Completed |
| Katz Apartments | Westport Road and Main Street | Preservation of the historic Katz Drugstore storefront with new construction behind it, resulting in 192 apartment units. Leasing has begun, but the opening date is unannounced. | Under Construction |
| 45th and Main | 45th and Main Streets | Initial plans for a luxury hotel fell through due to the pandemic. A subsequent proposal for a 300-unit apartment building with 460 parking spaces was submitted but has not progressed, leaving the land vacant. | On Hold |
| Plaza Tennis Courts | 47th Street and Mill Creek Pkwy | City-owned tennis courts proposed for redevelopment into multifamily housing with ground-floor retail and minimal parking. The project requires approval from multiple city entities and possibly voters. | Proposed |
Impact of the Streetcar Extension on Urban Development
The Main Street streetcar extension has acted as a catalyst for urban revitalization, attracting both residential and commercial developments.
The projects range from preserving historic structures to introducing modern residential complexes, contributing to the area’s economic vibrancy.
The streetcar’s connectivity is expected to enhance property values and attract further investments, fostering a dynamic urban environment.
The forthcoming completion of Kansas City’s Main Street streetcar extension signifies a pivotal moment in the city’s urban development.
The array of projects along the route underscores a commitment to blending historic preservation with modern growth, promising a revitalized corridor that benefits residents, businesses, and visitors alike.