👀 This Week Around KC

• 🚆 NEW TRAIN SERVICE ADDED​​
  ​MoDOT will add a third daily Amtrak Missouri River Runner train between Kansas City and St. Louis, starting in April 2026 and running through June 2026 to support travel for the 2026 World Cup. This extra service will give travelers more flexibility during the soccer tournament.
• ⛽ WALLY’S TRAVEL CENTER APPROVED​​
  ​Wally’s Travel Center has received permit approval from Independence city planners. Final site plans are due by the end of 2025. Construction is expected to begin in Spring 2026, with the travel center opening in 2027.
• 🎯 NEW DART CLUB IN CROSSROADS​​
  ​The Cosmo Burger team is launching a new venue called Arrow Dart Club in the Crossroads, opening October 16.The club will feature a full bar and multiple dart lanes. It’s designed as a social spot for games and watch parties.
• 🏛️ BLUE SPRINGS ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT PROPOSED​​
  ​The Blue Springs City Council is reviewing a proposal for an entertainment district along Main Street. A draft ordinance is expected by December 2025. City leaders hope it will revitalize downtown Blue Springs.
• 🍔 CHIEFS LAUNCH SECRET CHIEFS TAILGATE FOOD SERIES​
  ​The Kansas City Chiefs have rolled out Secret Chiefs, a new digital series blending football with local food culture. The show sends undercover celebrity superfans and team legends into Arrowhead Stadium parking lots to sample fan-favorite tailgate dishes and crown a weekly “Best Bite” winner. Fans can nominate their own tailgates for a chance to be featured on the Chiefs’ official channels.
• 🍌 SAVANNAH BANANAS RETURN TO KANSAS CITY IN 2026​
  ​The Savannah Bananas announced they will play games in Kansas City in 2026, including matchups at Kauffman Stadium against the new Indianapolis Clowns. The Clowns pay tribute to the historic Negro Leagues franchise of the same name, and the Kansas City games will celebrate that legacy. Fans can expect the Bananas’ trademark high-energy antics and a nod to Negro Leagues history at these special Kansas City events.

What you might have missed last week

• Downtown's first women's sports bar opening soon! The Dub KC features "locker room" design with professional lockers & memorabilia, aims to level the playing field for women's sports. All-inclusive space to showcase KC during 2026 World Cup.
• St. Louis micro-creamery opens first KC location! Now serving artisanal ice cream at Shops of Prairie Village (6966 Mission Road).
• ​​KC Game Plan helps local businesses prep for 650,000 World Cup visitors. From El Café Cubano to KC Style Haus, entrepreneurs preparing for once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in 2026. Focus on both immediate tourism and long-term brand impact.

🏢 DEVELOPMENT SCENE

Leawood Considers $125M in Incentives for $766M Hallbrook North Redevelopment

The Leawood City Council is preparing to vote on a $765.7 million mixed-use development known as Hallbrook North, proposed by VanTrust Real Estate. The 34.2-acre site near Interstate 435 and State Line Road would include up to 702,000 square feet of office space, 400 luxury apartments, a hotel, retail, and more than 3,600 parking spaces.

VanTrust is seeking roughly $125 million in public incentives, including tax increment financing (TIF), industrial revenue bonds, and a community improvement district sales tax. The project’s first phase would feature a $300 million, 11- to 12-story headquarters building with retail and a pedestrian link to Leawoof Dog Park.

Although a primary tenant hasn’t been announced, Lockton Companies is reportedly evaluating the area for relocation. Construction on the headquarters could begin as early as 2027, with full completion targeted around 2030. The development aims to transform currently vacant land into a high-value employment and lifestyle hub for Leawood.

​Let me know what you think of this redevelopment ➡️

🎨 ART SCENE

KC Gets Heart Full Again in 2026

Kansas City’s beloved Parade of Hearts is set to make its big return in spring 2026, bringing 150 new heart sculptures to streets, parks, and plazas across the metro. This year’s theme, “Hearts of Unity,” introduces a refreshed design with a circular frame and a cut-out heart at the center, symbolizing openness and connection across state lines.

Nearly 500 artists submitted designs, and 150 were chosen for their creativity, storytelling, and local flair. Among this year’s lineup are Ana Calomino, whose bold, layered mixed-media pieces never whisper; Chico Sierra, known for his striking cultural narratives and spiritual symbolism; and Michael “Artisma” Artis, whose bright pop-inspired portraits explore human energy and gold-hearted expression. Each will spend the winter transforming five-foot sculptures into one-of-a-kind love letters to KC before the grand unveiling on April 4, 2026. The installation will run April through August, spanning seven counties across Missouri and Kansas.

Visitors can follow the citywide art trail through the Parade of Hearts mobile app, which helps you map every sculpture, learn about the artists, and track which hearts you have found. In past years, the app’s interactive map turned the whole city into a public art scavenger hunt filled with prizes, photo challenges, and hidden gems in unexpected neighborhoods.

Beyond the art itself, Parade of Hearts continues to raise money for local charities and boost small businesses by drawing visitors into under explored corners of the metro. With Kansas City preparing to host the 2026 World Cup, this new collection of hearts aims to showcase KC’s creativity and community pride to a global audience.

For longtime fans, this will be the final run featuring the original “KC Heart” base design, making it one to remember.

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🏐 SPORTS SCENE

Travis Kelce Sets New Chiefs Record for All-Purpose Yards

During the Kansas City Chiefs’ Monday Night Football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, tight end Travis Kelce achieved two major milestones, becoming the franchise’s all-time leader in both all-purpose yards and points scored by a non-kicker. He surpassed Dante Hall’s 12,356-yard record with 12,357 total yards after two early catches and later broke Priest Holmes’ scoring record with a short touchdown from Patrick Mahomes.

The 36-year-old, who celebrated his birthday just a day prior, continues to build on an already legendary career that includes over 12,000 receiving yards and 77 touchdowns since joining the Chiefs in 2013. Despite Kelce’s historic night, Kansas City fell to 2–3 following their loss to Jacksonville.

🌙 NIGHTLIFE SCENE

Meet Jade Jaguar,

the Bar Bringing Mexico City Energy to KC

Come with Kyle and I as we check out Jade Jaguar, the new Mexico City inspired bar downtown. You might be surprised by what we found. It’s not just the cocktails that stole the show.

By Mollie Talbot | Mollified In KC, The KC Scene

​[Check out our IG reel]​

🎯 REAL ESTATE SCENE

​SPONSORED BY MOVING TO KC​

Prime Build Opportunity in Kansas City’s Westside

Welcome to 1700 Jefferson St — a rare chance to create something special in one of Kansas City’s most sought-after neighborhoods. Listed at $250,000, this 2,985-square-foot lot is zoned B1-1, offering flexibility for commercial, residential, or mixed-use development. With approved variances for a 2.06 FAR and a 39-foot height limit, much of the heavy lifting has already been done—saving valuable time and eliminating major zoning hurdles. These approvals allow for a future building of up to 6,149 square feet, and zoning permits construction right up to the property line, maximizing usable space.

Perfectly positioned steps away from Downtown and the Crossroads, this property is surrounded by local favorites—from coffee shops and bakeries to some of the city’s best restaurants. Whether you envision a modern mixed-use space, boutique office, or urban residence, this Westside location offers unmatched potential in a vibrant, character-filled community. Approval documents are available upon request.
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🏡 Property Overview

Price: $250,000

Address: 1700 Jefferson St, Kansas City, MO 64108

Lot Size: 0.28 Acres Lot

Zoning: B1-1 (Commercial, Residential, or Mixed-Use)

FAR Approved: 2.06

Height Limit: 39 ft

Maximum Buildable Area: 6,149 sq ft

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📞 Ready to see it in person?
​Take a closer look at the details, and let’s get your tour scheduled!​

Listing Provided by: Kyle Talbot with Moving To KC

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.
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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.

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🌆 This Weekend in Kansas City!