Mayor moves to keep ball rolling at KC’s riverfront, backing $1.4B project expansion

As the first phase of a sprawling Berkley Riverfront development moves forward this summer, Kansas City’s mayor is pushing to enlarge the capacity of the KC Current’s home along the river at CPKC Stadium, while adding more parking, trail connections, shops, and further mixed-use development.

The KC Streetcar arrives — wrapped in KC Current colors and branding — arrives at the newly opened Riverfront streetcar stop near CPKC Stadium; photo by Tommy Felts, Startland News

“We look to build on the momentum, expanding a stadium district that will draw more visitors, create jobs, help Kansas City compete for more global and national events, and strengthen our riverfront for generations to come,” Quinton Lucas, mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, said in a statement.

A city ordinance introduced Thursday would give the KC Current $235 million in bonds and other tax breaks to help facilitate a $1.4 billion project that “would cement Kansas City’s riverfront as the premier sports and entertainment district in the country — and one of few in the world that is woman-led for women athletes.”

Lucas said CPKC Stadium has already proven that world-class investment in women’s sports pays off.

The women’s professional soccer team, along with Palmer Square Real Estate Management  and Marquee Development, broke ground on Phase 1 of the Current Landing development in March 2025 — just 12 months after the opening of CPKC Stadium, the first stadium in the world purpose-built for a women’s professional team.

A banner sporting the colors of the Argentina National Team wraps around security fences outside The Origin Hotel, where the soccer team is staying along the riverfront during the FIFA World Cup; photo by Tommy Felts, Startland News

Retail, hotel and restaurant openings began earlier this spring, with Team Argentina making the emerging entertainment district its home during the FIFA World Cup. A recently opened KC Streetcar stop now connects the riverfront more directly to parking options along the nearly 6.5-mile streetcar line.

Ongoing residential construction as part of a mixed-use Current Landing development along the riverfront; photo by Tommy Felts, Startland News

Thursday’s legislation directs KCMO leadership to negotiate final deal terms with the KC Current, giving the city council final say on the project. As assistance, the city would issue bonds, supported by KC Current ownership, and include additional investment from the State of Missouri.

The legislation — expected to be reviewed by committee June 30 — also moves forward broader improvements to the riverfront, including trails, public gathering spaces, and amenities along the levee — “ensuring expanded outdoor parks and trail space accessible to Kansas Citians and close to the City’s urban core,” Lucas’ office said.

A rendering shows the vision for Founder’s Park alongside Current Landing on Kansas City’s riverfront; image courtesy of Palmer Square

Construction began in February for Founder’s Park at Current Landing, an effort by the development team to “beautify the ‘wet’ side of the levee.”

“This project is a story about reclaiming and beautifying unused space. We are transforming an area currently filled with rocks, weeds, and debris, into one with native plantings, curated landscaping, and beautiful walkways — all with the Missouri River and the Christopher S. Bond Bridge as its iconic backdrop,” representatives of Palmer Square said previously.

The KC Streetcar heads through Current Landing to the newly opened Riverfront streetcar stop near CPKC Stadium; photo by Tommy Felts, Startland News

Palmer Square is led by Angie and Chris Long, co-owners of the KC Current, alongside Patrick and Brittany Mahomes — the latter of whom was honored in May for her contributions to women’s sports through the CPKC Stadium project.

Expanding the stadium and overall Current Landing development through the Phase 2 initiative is expected produce thousands of construction jobs, Lucas said, adding new residents, increasing tax revenue, and drawing more visitors to Kansas City — all while enhancing the playing facility, fan experience, and natural attractions of the riverfront.

“Current Landing realizes our vision for a true neighborhood on the riverfront — one that blends special residences and incredible restaurants with the most compelling sports and entertainment in our region,” the Longs said previously. “Kansas City was founded on its riverfront. Through Current Landing, we are proud to welcome a new era of vibrant riverfront experiences for generations of Kansas Citians to come.”