👀 This Week Around KC

• 🌙 MOONSTONE OPENS UPSCALE VINYL HiFi LOUNGE ON THE BERKLEY RIVERFRONT​​
  Moonstone is officially opening this Friday on the Berkley Riverfront, bringing Kansas City its first upscale vinyl HiFi record bar paired with a fine-dining menu. The lounge blends high-fidelity sound, inventive cocktails, and modern plates with panoramic Missouri River views. Highlights include the Roll the Dice cocktail experience, a moody listening-room atmosphere, and dishes like braised short rib, a beer-chili brined pork chop, and a pecan pie topped with bacon ice cream. The space sits above Two Birds One Stone near The Origin Hotel and is positioned to become one of the city’s most stylish nightlife spots.​
• 🍽️ NEW RESTAURANT DEAR DONNA COMING TO COLUMBUS PARK​​
  The team behind The Town Company at Hotel Kansas City is opening a new concept called Dear Donna in the former Happy Gillis space in Columbus Park. Led by James Beard nominees Johnny and Helen Jo Leach, the restaurant aims to become a cozy neighborhood favorite with comforting food, warm hospitality, and a refreshed space after years of ownership changes and HVAC headaches. Dear Donna is targeting an early 2026 opening at 549 Gillis Street.
• 🏙️ PLAZA REDEVELOPMENT MOVES FORWARD WITH MAJOR TIF APPROVAL​​
  Kansas City’s TIF Commission has recommended approval of the 47th and Broadway plan that would support more than one billion dollars in redevelopment on the Country Club Plaza. The proposal could redirect up to 210 million dollars in taxes over 30 years, with funding split between private upgrades like garages, lighting, and pedestrian spaces, and public infrastructure needs including stormwater improvements. Gillon Property Group’s early concept includes new Class A office space at the former Nordstrom site, 750 apartments, two hotels, and extensive renovations across the 15 block district. The plan now heads to City Council while Gillon continues refining its broader master plan and incentive requests.
• 🐾 KC PET PROJECT OPENS NEW BARKS & REC PLAYGROUND FOR SHELTER DOGS​​
  KC Pet Project is opening a new outdoor playground called Barks and Rec at its Swope Park campus, donated by Westlake Ace Hardware. The play space features ramps, platforms, and agility elements designed to reduce stress and help dogs burn off energy while they wait for adoption. KC Pet Project says the playground is the first step in a broader plan to add more enrichment zones, including off leash running areas and sensory gardens. A leash cutting ceremony is set for Tuesday at 1:30 pm at 7077 Elmwood.
• 🏳️‍🌈 KANSAS CITY EARNS PERFECT LGBTQ EQUALITY SCORE FOR FIFTH STRAIGHT YEAR​​
  Kansas City has once again received a perfect 100 on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index, marking the city’s fifth consecutive year at the top. The score reflects KC’s policies, protections, and services supporting LGBTQ residents across employment, municipal services, law enforcement, and leadership. City officials said the recognition underscores Kansas City’s ongoing commitment to being a safe, inclusive, and equitable place to live and work. The full MEI scorecard is available through the Human Rights Campaign.
• 🎥 HALLMARK CHANNEL FILMING HOLIDAY SPECIAL IN KANSAS CITY​​
  Hallmark Channel is bringing its holiday TV special to Kansas City at the end of November, turning the city into a real life movie set. The production will feature performances from Brad Paisley along with familiar Hallmark stars. Filming takes place across KC landmarks, adding some extra sparkle to the season before the special airs nationwide.

What you might have missed last week

• Grandview is turning a parking lot into a year round marketplace thanks to a 2.1 million dollar plan aimed at giving local makers, small businesses, and food vendors a dedicated all weather space.
• Kansas City breweries cleaned up at this year’s Missouri Craft Beer Awards. Multiple local favorites took home top medals across IPA, stout, lager, seasonal, and specialty categories.
• ​Jack White, Post Malone, Lil Jon has been announced as the performer for this year’s Thanksgiving Day halftime show during the Chiefs and Cowboys game.

🏢 DEVELOPMENT SCENE

A New Gateway Arrives at Kansas City’s Riverfront

​

Kansas City’s Riverfront Extension is getting a major upgrade with the new End of the Line Streetcar Station and the CPKC Pavilion, a $5 million public space designed to elevate the arrival experience at Berkley Riverfront. Featuring an artistic metal canopy, sculptural lighting, and expanded passenger areas, the pavilion will serve as the northern terminus of the expanded KC Streetcar line and a welcoming entry point to CPKC Stadium and future developments.

Inspired by the Missouri River’s flow, the design blends art and function while strengthening the city’s connection to its waterfront. Backed by federal funding and private partners, construction begins later this year and continues through 2026, with the Riverfront Streetcar Extension already nearing completion.

​Let me know what you think of this redevelopment ➡️

🎶 LIFESTYLE SCENE

When a Spontaneous Drive Turns Into Something Bigger

Mollie wasn’t planning on having a breakthrough in Lawrence. She just wanted shop cats and a change of scenery. What she actually found is the part worth reading. If you’ve been craving a shift you can’t quite name, this one hits.
​

​

This story is written by Mollie Talbot for The KC Scene.

It’s the next feature in our new column, Mollified in KC

🏐 SPORTS SCENE

Royals Survey Fans on Three Possible Sites for Future Stadium

The Kansas City Royals have begun sending a new survey to thousands of fans, asking for input on three potential locations for a future ballpark and surrounding development: Downtown Kansas City, Clay County/North Kansas City, and Johnson County/Overland Park.

The outreach—via email and phone—covers everything from the fan experience to TV broadcasts, but the stadium question is drawing the most attention, especially as Overland Park reenters the conversation through the large Aspiria campus near 119th and Nall.

While developers and officials continue discussions about possible incentives and long-term plans, the stadium debate has already become a political flashpoint in Overland Park’s mayoral race. The Royals emphasize that the survey is part of their ongoing effort to listen to fans as they consider where the team will call home after their Kauffman Stadium lease ends in 2031.

At Loans in KC, we understand that every financial situation is unique. That’s why we offer personalized loan solutions designed to meet your specific needs. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing you with fast and reliable service.
​
Mortgage rates change constantly, much like the weather, and they vary depending on your unique circumstances. Just like finding the right tool for a job, getting the right mortgage rate is crucial. Let us help you discover the perfect match with a FREE customized quote today! You’re not just another number to us; you’re part of the family.

​

🌆 This Weekend in Kansas City!

🎯 See KC’s Holiday Lights the Easy Way

Save on single-ticket Holiday Lights tours. Use code KCLights2025 for $5 off and jump into the glow without doing any of the planning.

Rolling deep this season? Groups of 13, 21, or 28 passengers get 50 dollars off their tour, which makes it perfect for friends, family, office chaos, or anyone who wants a warm bus and zero stress.

Call to book and lock in your date. Valid through January 3. KC looks great any time, but it hits different on a guided lights tour.
​