Kansas City Breaks Ground on West Bottoms Revitalization Project
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A significant milestone in Kansas City’s development journey was realized Wednesday as SomeraRoad and the City of Kansas City held a groundbreaking ceremony in the historic West Bottoms. This initiative marks the commencement of critical infrastructure renovations aimed at revitalizing this once-neglected area.
“This is an exciting moment for Kansas City,” noted City Manager Brian Platt during the ceremony. The public-private partnership promises to enhance the West Bottoms through improved infrastructure, pedestrian walkways, greenspaces, and the introduction of over 1,200 residential units, hotels, and retail spaces, as shared by Mayor Quinton Lucas.
Local advocate Amber Arnett-Bequeaith, who played a significant role in attracting developers to the area, emphasizes the importance of maintaining the local essence during this transformation. “We want to ensure that our city doesn’t become obsessed with chains and forget the unique local businesses that helped make today possible,” she remarked. Arnett-Bequeaith, vice president of Full Moon Productions, has been instrumental in cleaning and promoting the West Bottoms, enhancing the tax base to attract new investments.
The revitalization has sparked cautious optimism among local business owners, including Stephanie Miller of Fetch, who hopes to preserve affordable rents for small businesses and avoid a chain-store takeover. Brady Vest of Hammerpress echoed these sentiments, expressing concern over the potential impact on local enterprises amidst the urban renewal.
With these developments, stakeholders convey a shared vision of a thriving West Bottoms that honors its historical character while fostering growth and community engagement. The balance between modernization and preserving the charm of the district will be crucial as this project unfolds.
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Photo credit fox4kc.com