By Ann Holliday, Vice President – Strategic Initiatives for the Downtown Council and Executive Director of the Art in the Loop Foundation

I had the opportunity to speak with Carol Coletta, a nationally recognized urbanist and civic leader, at the Downtown Council’s 2026 Annual Luncheon, “Welcoming the World: Building on Our Legacy”. We talked about the value of Downtowns, the power of our public spaces,  where people from different walks of life come together, where interaction is encouraged, a sense of safety is created, and the result is community vibrancy and an enhanced quality of life.

We discussed the progress that we are making as a community. From the Riverfront and Current Landing, the future Greenline recreation trail, the Rock Island Bridge, Barney Allis Plaza, and Luminary Park, bridging the highway right outside these doors. This is happening right now.  This is the foundation upon which we will build our tomorrow, our legacy for future generations. And now we need everyone’s help.

Join us in continuing to build a more welcoming, vibrant Downtown today…and for generations to come.  Together, we can increase our investment in dynamic public spaces that make Downtown KC an exceptional place for all to live, work, play and learn.  Click here to learn more about our initiatives and opportunities.

I hope you enjoy our conversation in this video!

The Barney Allis Plaza RFP was amended on June 4, 2026, to reflect the corrected rent.

The DTC Community Development Inc, a 501(c)(3) entity, is issuing this Request for Proposals (RFP – Updated June 4, 2026) for the lease and operation of a high-quality cafe located within the reconstructed Barney Allis Plaza, which is set to open in the Spring of 2027

Located at the center of a rapidly growing and evolving Downtown Kansas City, Barney Allis Plaza will serve as a premier destination for residents, office workers, convention attendees, hotel guests, and visitors alike. The Plaza sits adjacent to the Kansas City Convention Center, Municipal Auditorium, Power & Light District, and a growing residential population that now exceeds 33,000 residents living in and around Greater Downtown.

The Barney Allis Plaza project is a major urban revitalization effort that reconstructs the underground parking garage and creates a vibrant, one-block urban park in the heart of Downtown Kansas City, Missouri. This premier civic space, bounded by 12th and 13th Streets and Wyandotte and Central Streets, is designed to serve as a central gathering place for local residents, workers, and visitors.

This opportunity offers a chance to become an integral part of one of Kansas City’s most visible and frequently visited public gathering places. The selected operator will have the opportunity to establish a signature destination that serves patrons throughout the day – from morning coffee and breakfast service to lunchtime gatherings, afternoon meetings, and visitors enjoying the Plaza’s amenities and programming.

With planned community events, public art, recreational amenities, and year-round activity, Barney Allis Plaza is envisioned as a vibrant civic hub that will draw a diverse and consistent customer base. The cafe will play an important role in shaping the visitor experience and activating the Plaza, creating a unique opportunity for an operator seeking a highly visible location within the heart of Downtown Kansas City.

The cafe is intended to be a cornerstone amenity for the Plaza, offering a unique dining experience that complements the surrounding public space, which includes an adjacent play space, dog park, and a significant piece of public art.

The available leasable space measures approximately 1,055 square feet and features floor-to-ceiling windows on the north side, overlooking the Plaza North outdoor seating areas. The space is provided as a “white box” to allow the selected operator the flexibility to design a build-out that best suits their brand and operations, including potential indoor and outdoor dining configurations.

DTC Community Development Inc seeks a creative and experienced operator with the financial capability and operational expertise to activate this important civic asset. Submissions will be evaluated based on the operator’s planned operations, proposed design, operating experience, financial capability, and lease offer.

Key RFP Information

Click here to download RFP – Updated June 4, 2026

Contact BAP-cafe@downtownkc.org with any questions.

By Imani Jackson, Administrative Assistant at Downtown Council of Kansas City

The Downtown Council and the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City recently partnered to bring back a beloved event, the Downtown Business Recognition Event, celebrating the businesses and organizations that continue to shape the heart of Downtown Kansas City.

Held on the rooftop of the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City building, the evening provided guests with stunning views overlooking the future site of Roy Blunt Luminary Park, creating the perfect backdrop for a night centered on community, growth, and appreciation for the businesses investing in Downtown KC.

The event honored five organizations whose impact on downtown Kansas City has helped strengthen the city’s culture, economy, and future:

• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City accepted by Jenny Housley
• KC Hooley House accepted by Ryan Haverty
• Grayson Capital accepted by Michael Collins
• Negro Leagues Baseball Museum accepted by Bob Kendrick
• Populous accepted by Bruce Miller

Each honoree was recognized for their dedication to downtown Kansas City, whether through long-standing roots in the urban core or by choosing downtown as a place to grow and invest. Adding a unique local touch to the evening, Andrew Bui, a student from the Kansas City Design Center, designed and created the awards presented to each honoree.

Jason Parson, Chairman of the Downtown Council, served as the evening’s emcee. The crowd was able to hear remarks from Tracy Lewis, President and CEO of the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City. As the event came to a close, City Manager Mario Vasquez addressed the crowd, offering congratulations and heartfelt thanks to each honoree for their continued dedication and contributions to downtown Kansas City. His remarks reinforced the city’s commitment to supporting businesses and organizations that help downtown thrive.

While the event recognized major accomplishments and milestones, the atmosphere remained relaxed and engaging. Guests spent the evening networking, reconnecting, and celebrating alongside fellow business leaders, community partners, and downtown advocates.

The revived Business Recognition Event was a success, not only honoring the businesses making an impact today, but also reinforcing the strong partnerships helping shape the future of downtown Kansas City.

With such positive energy and support surrounding the event, attendees are already looking forward to the next Business Recognition Event in the future.

By Jared Campbell, Resident Engagement Project Manager at Downtown Council of Kansas City

This past April, more than 1,000 civic leaders, business professionals, community advocates, and downtown supporters gathered for the Downtown Council of Kansas City’s 2026 Annual Luncheon — a powerful celebration of the people, partnerships, and momentum shaping the future of Downtown Kansas City.  Please click here to watch a short recap video of the event.

One of the luncheon’s central themes was the importance of public space activation and the role it plays in creating a thriving, connected downtown. The conversation between DTC VP of Strategic Initiatives Ann Holliday and Carol Coletta highlighted the growing impact of free concerts, community programming, outdoor events, public art, and neighborhood partnerships that bring residents, workers, and visitors together and the impact up and coming projects like Luminary Park and Barney Allis Plaza will have in this realm.

The luncheon also served as an opportunity to recognize several outstanding individuals whose leadership and dedication continue to move Downtown Kansas City forward. Once again, we would like to recognize the 2026 Class of Urban Heroes: Bethany Alzanadi, Dulcinea Herrera, Bruce Holloway, Rob & Deborah Reiman, and Courtney Thomas.  We would also like to acknowledge Warren Erdman as the J. Philip Kirk Jr. Award winner.  Their work serves as a reminder that meaningful progress happens through collaboration, vision, and a commitment to community.

Perhaps no topic generated more excitement throughout the afternoon than the future of the Kansas City Royals in Downtown Kansas City. Remarks during the program by Mayor Lucas reflected growing enthusiasm for the transformational possibilities that a downtown ballpark could bring — from increased economic activity and vibrancy to new opportunities for connectivity, investment, and civic pride. The conversation reinforced a belief shared by many in attendance: that Downtown Kansas City’s best days are still ahead.

The Downtown Council of Kansas City extends sincere thanks to all sponsors, partners, speakers, and attendees who helped make this year’s luncheon such a memorable and inspiring event. Together, we are continuing to build a downtown that is vibrant, inclusive, and full of opportunity for everyone.

By Ann Holliday, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Downtown Council of Kansas City

(Kansas City, Missouri) – Join the Art in the Loop Foundation for a Kick-Off event for the 2026 Art in the Loop Project: Home, on Wednesday, June 3, at 5:30 p.m. at the Kansas City Public Library: Central Library, 14 West 10th Street. Guests will enjoy an evening of art and music as they are invited to meet the 2026 performing and visual artists. The event starts at 5:30 p.m. with a musical performance by the Ryan Marquez Trio. The program also includes storytelling by Beatrice C. Henry and a spoken-word performance by the Hood Dude Food Review. Guests are invited to meet with performing and visual artists for a chance to learn about the work the artists are creating for this year’s project. Please join us for this event, which is free and open to the public. Click here to RSVP.

The Art in the Loop Project is a curated outdoor exhibition of temporary artworks and performance series presented in partnership with the KC Streetcar. This year marks the thirteenth year for the Art in the Loop Project and includes visual artwork based on paintings and digitized illustrations, and performance artwork based in dance, experimental jazz, hip hop, spoken word, and more.

This year, we asked artists to respond to our theme, Home and explore the places, people, and dreams that bring us back to ourselves. We encouraged artists to reflect on the various emotions associated with the idea of home—the catalyst for the ways in which we experience life and evolve over time.

The following visual artists’ works will be displayed at KC Streetcar shelters, on one KC Streetcar vehicle, and within Oppenstein Brothers Memorial Park between the end of May and November 2026:

Visual Artists and Art Installations:

• Anjola Ayodele, Carried By Sound, River Market Northbound KC Streetcar Stop
• Cheryl Gail, Small Works Art Gallery, Oppenstein Brothers Memorial Park
• Christine Cookson, Wandering Dreams, Oppenstein Brothers Memorial Park
• Deanna Dikeman, Patio Barbecues, Armour Southbound KC Streetcar Stop
• DINKC, We Are Home, North Loop Southbound KC Streetcar Stop
• Kai Johnson, Home is Imagination, Riverfront KC Streetcar Stop
• Kevin VanEmburgh, Seasons of Home, Southmoreland Northbound KC Streetcar Stop
• Michelle Briggs, Blossoming Origins, Library Northbound KC Streetcar Stop
• Ramona Cliff, Evening Flights, KC Streetcar #805
• Taylar Sanders, A Modern Belonging, Kauffman Southbound KC Streetcar Stop
• Vania Soto, Abuelita’s Kitchen is Home, River Market West (Delaware) KC Streetcar Stop

The following performing artists will present an incredible summer revue of free performances. For fans of music, dance, and spoken word, we are certain that there will be something engaging for everyone.

Performance Artists & Schedule:

• Kick-Off Event | June 3, 5:30 p.m. at Kansas City Public Library – Central Library | RSVP
  • Ryan Marquez Trio
  • Hood Dude Food Review
  • Beatrice C. Henry

• Oppenstein Park Performances | June 18, 5:30 p.m., Oppenstein Brothers Memorial Park | RSVP
  • City in Motion Dance Theater
  • The Royal Chief
  • MissConception
  • Gypsy Soul Work

• Art Walk | July 21, 6:00 p.m., Starts at the Riverfront KC Streetcar Stop | RSVP
  • All visual artists

• 816 Day Performances | August 16, 6:00 p.m., City Market | RSVP
  • The DynamitExperience
  • BodaciousThang
  • FK MENACE

• Art Ride | September 23, 6:00 p.m., Starts at the UMKC KC Streetcar Stop | RSVP
  • Beth Watts Nelson
  • HeadHunterz

• Closing Reception | October 29, 5:30 p.m. at the Kansas City Public Library – Central Library | RSVP
  • Ernest Melton and Friends
  • Socorro Reyes Ramirez

Art in the Loop will also feature special social practice engagements and installations by “A Girl &” throughout the season. Learn more about all of the artists at www.artintheloop.com.

Community, Sponsors & Supporters

Artists have played a key role in the revitalization of Downtown Kansas City over the past few decades, and through programs like Art in the Loop, this will continue. In the words of renowned local artist Michael Toombs,  “Through projects like Art in the Loop, Downtown KC is becoming part of a highly visible cultural landscape that reminds us of who we are, as well as inspires us in who we are yet to become.” We have unique opportunities for your organization to connect with the community and support local artists through sponsorships and charitable donations.

We appreciate the generous support of the KC Streetcar Authority, Henderson Engineers, Stinson LLP, Copaken Brooks, and the Kansas City Art Institute. This project is funded in part by the Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts, the Muriel McBrien Kauffman Family Foundation, and the City of Kansas City, Missouri, Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund, with public support from the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency, as well as other corporate sponsorships and philanthropic contributions.

For more information, contact Ann Holliday, ann@downtownkc.org, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at the Downtown Council and Executive Director of the Art in the Loop Foundation.

We appreciate the support and participation of all our project partners, including the Downtown Council, Downtown Community Improvement Districts, KC Streetcar, Kansas City Public Library, Kansas City Art Institute, City Market, and Union Station.

For more information about the project and the artists, visit www.artintheloop.com, www.facebook.com/artintheloop, or https://www.instagram.com/artintheloop.

Contacts:

Art in the Loop
Ann Holliday, Program Director, ann@downtownkc.org, (c) 816-718-1355

Khyneesha Edwards, Visual Arts Director, neeshaedwards26@gmail.com

Jade Osborne, Performing Arts Director, jadeosborneart@gmail.com

KC Streetcar

Donna Mandelbaum, Communications & Marketing Director, dmandelbaum@kcstreetcar.org,  (c) 816-877-3219

By Mark Rowlands, Director of Contracts, Community Improvement Districts and Jared Campbell, Resident Engagement Project Manager at Downtown Council of Kansas City

As May arrives, Downtown Kansas City comes alive with a fresh season of activity in its parks, transforming these small but vibrant spaces into hubs of connection, creativity, and community. With many of these programs running from May through October, it is a perfect opportunity to enjoy a concert over your lunch break or a beautiful evening with friends and neighbors in the River Market.  A diverse lineup of events and experiences will invite residents, workers, and visitors to step outside and engage with the city in new ways—from live music and pop-up performances to wellness activities and casual gatherings. This dynamic programming is made possible through strong partnerships with a variety of community organizations.  Working together to activate public spaces and enhance the downtown experience for all is the goal of the following programming partnerships:

Summer in the City Series:

Summer in the City is back for its third year. This free to the public event, located in Oppenstein Park in Downtown Kansas City, happens the third Thursday of each month from May to September from noon to 7:00 PM. The pocket park at 12th and Walnut Streets is activated with local performers, community activities, yard games, artist vendors, and food trucks. With the goal of engaging workers and residents, Summer in the City supports our thriving, creative community by weaving various talented artists and community members of Kansas City into the tapestry of Downtown. Sponsored by the Downtown Community Improvement District (DCID), in partnership with Jackson County, Art in the Loop, The Downtown Council, and area businesses, Summer in the City ignites, activates, and celebrates the greater community of Downtown Kansas City.

River Market Melodies:

Entering its second year, this free evening concert series is made possible through a partnership between Port KC, the River Market Community Improvement District (RMCID), and the River Marker Community Association (RMCA).  These concerts take place in City Market Park (3rd and Main) on the first Thursday of each month from May through October.  Live music is from 5:30pm to 7:00pm, but come early to picnic or play in the park.  There are a variety of restaurants surrounding the park that make for great dinner options.

Garment District Grooves:

This concert series takes place in Garment District Place Park at 8th and Broadway.  This partnership between KC Parks and the Downtown Community Improvement District (DCID) starts its 7th year in 2026.  These free concerts happen from 11:30am to 1pm on the third Wednesday of each month from May through October.  There is always live music and a food truck each month.  It’s a great way to take a break during the work day to get outside and enjoy some of Kansas City’s finest musicians.

We extend our sincere thanks to all of our community partners whose collaboration and commitment make these experiences possible, helping bring energy and vibrancy to Downtown Kansas City’s public spaces. We invite everyone to take advantage of these open-to-all events—step outside, explore your downtown parks, and be part of the moments that make our city more connected!