Last fall, our group took a look at Kansas City’s Country Club Plaza and wrote about how as the Plaza grows and evolves, so must its infrastructure, especially the roads that lead to and surround this beloved area. We held a well-attended panel in collaboration with the City of Kansas City, discussing how to enhance the Plaza’s streetscape. Potentially even creating a true “pedestrianized plaza” on the Plaza. The event saw support from Mayor Quinton Lucas, Assistant City Manager Melissa Kozakiewicz, and over 100 citizens. Since that panel, HP Village Management, the Plaza’s new owners, have already begun to breathe new life into the area with building facades cleaned up, security improvements, and future development plans underway.
The new owners have also floated the idea of streetscape improvements to the roads in the Plaza area to slow down car traffic and dissuade drag racing. We’re incredibly excited about this concept and want to take some time to showcase what that might look like. This is an opportunity to transform these roads into more pedestrian-friendly spaces that would not only enhance the experience of the Plaza, but also bring it in line with best practices in urban design that prioritize safety, accessibility, and beauty.
The Plaza’s streetscape, though, is key to this transformation. We envision a place where wide, shaded sidewalks invite people to stroll, tree coverage cools the area, and safe bike lanes encourage active transport. Slower car traffic will not only dissuade drag racing but also create an environment where people feel safe walking, shopping, and enjoying this historic part of Kansas City. The experience of getting to the Plaza should be as memorable and enjoyable as being there—this is what pedestrian-first urban design can achieve. For both locals and visitors alike, these changes will ensure that the Plaza remains a premier destination in Kansas City for years to come.
Below are some of the ideas we had for the 47th street corridor, from the KC Streetcar stop over to Broadway.
47th and Broadway
47th and Wyandotte
47th and Mill Creek Pkwy
47th and Main
