This Week in KC

YOU CAN NOW HAND FEED GIRAFFES AT THE KC ZOO

Giraffe feedings started Oct. 14 at Giraffe Crossing, the new habitat in the Africa section of the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. Feedings cost $5 per person, run three times a day and are credit card only. The zoo's daily schedule lists sessions at 10 a.m., noon and 1 p.m.

Source: https://kansascityzoo.org/events/daily-schedule​

CHIEFS LEASE OFFICE SPACE AT FORMER CERNER CAMPUS IN KCK

The Kansas City Chiefs leased 25,527 square feet at the former Cerner Continuous Campus on Abilities Way, about four miles from the team's planned $3 billion domed stadium site in Kansas City, Kansas. The team has not said what the space will be used for.

Source: https://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/news/2026/10/14/kansas-city-chiefs-office-lease-cerner-campus-kck.html​

GARDNER SAYS GARDNER LAKE IS NOT FOR SALE

Gardner officials say there is no plan to sell or transfer the 125 acre Gardner Lake, after Council President Mark Baldwin posted that the lake would go to the Gardner Lake Association once a $742,619 spillway repair wraps up. The city says Baldwin was recalling a discussion from several years ago, and no transfer is on any council agenda. A petition to keep the lake public had nearly 500 signatures as of Oct. 9. The lake brings in about $16,325 a year, mostly from dock fees.

Source: https://johnsoncountypost.com/2026/10/09/gardner-lake-sell-petition-298140/​

SHAWNEE WANTS TO BAN WATCHING VIDEOS BEHIND THE WHEEL

Shawnee's current code only bans drivers from texting and emailing. A proposed change heard by the City Council Committee on Oct. 12 would also ban video calls, watching videos and using apps or web browsers while driving. The city attorney says officers have seen drivers scrolling TikTok and Facebook and even shopping online. Staff recommended sending it to the full City Council for a vote on Oct. 26.

Source: https://cityofshawnee.civicweb.net/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Id=10218​

HALE COOK ELEMENTARY GETS A $15 MILLION MAKEOVER

Hale Cook students are spending the 2026-27 school year at Troost Elementary while their 1923 building gets a $15 million renovation and addition. The work, paid for by the KCPS 2025 bond, adds four classrooms, a bigger cafeteria, a secure entry and a storm shelter sized for every student. Students are expected back in the renovated building in August 2027.

Source: https://www.kcpublicschools.org/article/3183752​

DOWNTOWN JACKSON COUNTY COURTHOUSE ENTRANCE MOVES TO OAK STREET

Construction is underway on a new front entrance at the Jackson County Courthouse, 415 E. 12th St. in downtown KC. Until it is finished, visitors should use the west entrance on Oak Street. The county has not announced a completion date.

Source: https://x.com/JacksonCountyMO/status/2110402207807938973​

🏢 DEVELOPMENT SCENE

ROYALS AND POPULOUS RELEASE SIX NEW RENDERINGS OF THE CROWN CENTER BALLPARK

The Royals and Populous just dropped six new renderings of the Crown Center ballpark, our clearest look yet at the roughly 34,000 seat, open air stadium built into the limestone bluff. The crown, fountains, Little K and CrownVision are all back, plus a shade canopy, two 360 degree concourses and a few nods to KC landmarks you’ll want to spot for yourself. See all six renderings and what’s next for the 2030 opener on the blog.

Original source: Royals press release, Oct. 15
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HIGHLIGHTS

🏢 LOCKTON'S $766 MILLION LEAWOOD DEVELOPMENT IS NOW CALLED HIGHPOINT

VanTrust named its 34 acre project at State Line and College Boulevard, formerly Hallbrook North. Lockton’s 12 story global headquarters, Leawood’s future tallest building, anchors a mix of hotel, apartments, childcare, retail and trails, with delivery set for early 2030.

Original source: VanTrust release, Oct. 14​

🚧 I-670 CLOSES DOWNTOWN DEC. 2 FOR ROY BLUNT LUMINARY PARK

I-670 closes both directions from I-35 to U.S. 71 starting Wednesday, Dec. 2, through September 2028, with traffic detoured mainly to I-70. Truman Road also closes from Broadway Boulevard to Baltimore Avenue. Phase one builds about half the highway tunnel and the first park block near the Convention Center.

Original source: Luminary Park project notice | luminarypark.org/construction​

Other sources: KSHB, Oct. 12 | KCTV5, Oct. 12​

🏗️ QUALITY HILL DATA CENTER RETURNS TO COMMITTEE TUESDAY

A proposed 20 story data center at 934 Central St., replacing the historic Western Newspaper Union Building, goes to committee Oct. 20. Staff and the City Plan Commission recommended denial, and the city has logged 400+ letters opposed, none in support.

Original source: KCMO Legistar, Ord. 260870​

🛒 A NORTHLAND DILLONS WITH A FUEL CENTER GOES TO COMMITTEE TUESDAY

A roughly 99,000 square foot Dillons with fuel is planned at NW Tiffany Springs Road and N. Platte Purchase Drive, replacing an approved nine building retail plan. It goes to committee Oct. 20 with staff and City Plan Commission support.

Original source: KCMO Legistar, Ord. 260923​

🏈 KANSAS SETS THE CHIEFS STAR BOND DISTRICT

The state released boundaries for the STAR bond district that will help finance the Chiefs' planned domed stadium, spanning parts of six cities in Wyandotte and Johnson counties, including Kansas City, Kansas, and Olathe. Wyandotte County is suing the state over local control of the project.

Original source: not located (Kansas Department of Commerce Chiefs page not checked)

Other sources: KSHB​

🏛️ LEAVENWORTH MOVES ITS PLAZA MALL STAR BOND DISTRICT FORWARD

The Leavenworth City Commission held a public hearing Oct. 13 and gave first consideration to a STAR bond district covering the vacant Leavenworth Plaza site at 4th and Idaho and Abeles Field. The city says possible uses include restaurants, retail, entertainment, a hotel and some housing, and Kansas law requires at least one major tourism attraction.

Original source: Leavenworth City Commission agenda, Oct. 13 | City of Leavenworth FAQ​

Other sources: KCTV5, Oct. 13​

🎬 BELTON APPROVES UPTOWN DISTRICT INCENTIVES

The Belton City Council approved financing Tuesday, Oct. 13 for the 40 acre Uptown Entertainment District along 163rd Street, including up to $250 million in 20 year Chapter 100 bonds. The plan includes a B&B Theatres entertainment complex, five restaurant sites, retail and about 600 apartments.

Other sources: KSHB, Oct. 13​

🏘️ HICKMAN MILLS PLAN SAYS SOUTH KC HAS TOO MUCH RETAIL

A strategic plan for about 14 square miles of south Kansas City goes to the Neighborhood Planning and Development Committee Oct. 20. It studies six aging shopping centers and flags underused ones for senior or denser housing. Staff recommends approval, and the full council votes next if it advances.

Original source: KCMO Legistar, File 260915​

🏢 OLATHE PLANNING COMMISSION HEARD A 476 UNIT APARTMENT PLAN NEXT TO HERITAGE PARK

Rodrock Development wants to rezone about 25 acres northwest of 159th and Pflumm from business park to apartments: seven four story buildings, 476 units, construction targeted for spring 2027. Staff recommended approval at the Oct. 12 commission hearing; it still needs City Council, with no date set.

Original source: Olathe Planning Commission, 2026-10-12, Case RZ26-0010​

🚉 OVERLAND PARK VOTES MONDAY ON A NEW DEAL FOR THE STRANG DEPOT SITE

Overland Park City Council votes Oct. 19 on a Strang Depot deal: the Historical Society would give the city the outdoor site land and its upkeep, forgo a final $100,000 grant payment, and grant the city first refusal on the rest.

Original sources: Overland Park council packet, Amendment No. 2 | Mayor and Council agenda, Oct. 19, Item 6​

BUSINESS SCENE

NOW OPEN

🛒 SHAWNEE'S WESTBROOKE GREEN HAS A GROCERY STORE AGAIN

Fresh Market of Shawnee opened Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 7405 Quivira Rd., the first grocery at the Westbrooke Green center since Dillons left nearly 20 years ago. It is open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily and makes its tortillas and conchas in house.

Other sources: Johnson County Post, Oct. 12 | KSHB​

🩹 CHILDREN'S MERCY OPENED A SHAWNEE EXPRESS CARE AND ORTHOPEDIC INJURY CLINIC

The clinic opened Monday, Oct. 12 near K-7 and Johnson Drive, with walk-in hours from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily and on-site X-ray and lab testing. It is the second of its kind after Liberty.

Original source: Children's Mercy, Shawnee location​

Other sources: KCTV5, Oct. 8​

🌮 TIKI TACO'S SEVENTH LOCATION WAS SET TO OPEN IN EAST CROSSROADS

Tiki Taco planned to open Tuesday, Oct. 13 in the former Double Shift Brewing building, daily from 11 a.m. The Pitch did not give a street address.

Original source: tikitaco.com​

Other sources: The Pitch, Oct. 8​

🏢 A RESTAURANT-TECH COMPANY MOVED OUT OF ITS PARKVILLE CAVE INTO A NORTHLAND HQ

Rosnet celebrated its new headquarters at 11500 N. Ambassador Drive, Suite 400, on Thursday, Oct. 15. The company says it has more than 90 employees across 13 states.

Original source: Rosnet release, PR Newswire, Oct. 12​

COMING SOON

🧸 TOYS R US IS GETTING ITS OWN STORE AT OAK PARK MALL

The mall says a standalone Toys R Us is coming to 95th and Quivira in Overland Park, with no opening date yet. Oak Park shoppers have found the brand only as a shop inside Macy's.

Original source: not located (Oak Park Mall Instagram post, not viewable by us)

Other sources: Toys R Us expansion release, Sept. 17​

🛒 HY-VEE IS PLANNING A STORE IN OVERLAND PARK'S FORMER PRICE CHOPPER

The Planning Commission approved the final development plan Monday, Oct. 12 for about 66,000 square feet at 7418 W. 119th St. in Rosana Square, with a pharmacy drive-thru. No opening date has been announced.

Original source: City of Overland Park, plan DEV2026-00065​

Other sources: Johnson County Post, Oct. 12​

🍸 A NEW BAR CALLED MOODY SUE'S IS MOVING THROUGH THE LIQUOR LICENSE PROCESS IN EAST CROSSROADS

The city's Oct. 15 pending license list shows Moody Sue's at 406 E. 18th St. in its consent period. The bar has not announced an opening date.

Original source: KCMO Regulated Industries, Pending New Licenses list, Oct. 15​
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GROWING

🏭 WAGNER LOGISTICS IS ADDING 79 JOBS IN LIBERTY

The North Kansas City company announced Oct. 14 two leased warehouses totaling more than 830,000 square feet, with hiring starting now. It did not name the manufacturer it is serving.

Original source: Wagner Logistics release, PR Newswire, Oct. 14​

WORTH KNOWING

🪻 A SPRING HILL LAVENDER FARM HAS A 360-DEGREE VIDEO DOME

Violet Vault is a 90-minute immersive video and sound experience inside a dome on a lavender farm in Spring Hill, 21+, with tables starting at $48 for two and a welcome cocktail or mocktail included.

Original source: Violet Vault​

Other sources: KCTV5, Feb. 25​

🏈 H&R BLOCK AND THE CHIEFS ARE GIVING FOUR LOCAL SMALL BUSINESSES $5,000 EACH

Nominations for the Chiefs Small Business Spotlight Contest close Tuesday, Oct. 20 and are open to small businesses in Kansas, Missouri or Nebraska. Public voting picks the winners in November.

Original source: H&R Block release, Oct. 14​

🍦 THE GOLDEN SCOOP IS CLOSING ITS NALL AVENUE SHOP ON HALLOWEEN AND GOING MOBILE

The nonprofit ice creamery's last day at 9540 Nall Ave. in Overland Park is Saturday, Oct. 31. Its 10460 W. 103rd St. shop stays open, and an ice cream and coffee truck is on the way.

Original source: The Golden Scoop​

Other sources: Johnson County Post, Oct. 9​

SPORTS SCENE

THIS WEEKEND

🏈 CHIEFS HOST THE CHARGERS SUNDAY AFTER SIGNING JUSTIN WATSON

The 4-0 Chiefs host the Chargers Sunday, Oct. 18 at 3:25 p.m. on CBS at Arrowhead. They signed receiver Justin Watson to the practice squad Monday and put Tyquan Thornton on injured reserve.

Original source: Chiefs, Week 6 how to watch | Chiefs transactions, Oct. 12​

🏒 KC MAVERICKS OPEN THEIR SEASON FRIDAY NIGHT

The Mavericks open their season Friday, Oct. 16 at 7:05 p.m. against Rapid City for Barn Party Night at Cable Dahmer Arena in Independence. They play again Saturday at 6:05 p.m.

Original source: KC Mavericks schedule​

⚽ SPORTING KC STARTS THREE TEENS, THEN HOSTS REAL SALT LAKE SATURDAY

Sporting KC (6-19-4) lost 4-0 at Nashville Wednesday but started three teenagers for the first time in club history: Ian James and Jayden Reid, both 18, and Ruben Ramos Jr., 19. Sporting hosts Real Salt Lake Saturday, Oct. 17 at 7:30 p.m. on Apple TV in a 2013 MLS Cup rematch.

Original source: Sporting KC recap, Oct. 14 | Sporting KC weekly schedule, Oct. 13-18​

⚽ THE KC CURRENT PLAY AT UTAH SATURDAY

The Current play at Utah Saturday, Oct. 17 at 5:30 p.m. on ION. Their regular season finale is Sunday, Oct. 25 at CPKC Stadium.

Original source: KC Current schedule​

🏈 KANSAS VISITS K-STATE AND MIZZOU PLAYS AT OLE MISS

Kansas plays K-State Saturday at 11 a.m. on FS1 in Manhattan, the 134th meeting. Missouri plays at Ole Miss at 2:30 p.m. on SEC Network.

Original source: KU Athletics, Oct. 5 | Ole Miss Athletics, Oct. 5​

🏀 LATE NIGHT IN THE PHOG IS FRIDAY

KU's Late Night in the Phog is Friday, Oct. 16, with an exhibition against Pittsburg State at 7 p.m. in Allen Fieldhouse. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., and the game streams on ESPN+.

Original source: KU Athletics, Oct. 13​

🏈 KANSAS CROWNS ITS FIRST GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPION SATURDAY

Kansas’ first sanctioned girls flag football state tournament is Saturday, Oct. 17 in Wichita, with four metro teams in the semis: SM West (12-0) vs. St. Thomas Aquinas (10-0) at 11 a.m. and SM South (12-0) vs. St. James Academy (10-1) at 1 p.m. The 5 p.m. final streams on NFHS Network.

Original source: Chiefs release, Oct. 15​

🏃 THE GARMIN KC MARATHON CLOSES ROADS ACROSS THE CITY SATURDAY

Roads along the course close 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17. The full and half marathon start at 7 a.m. at Theis Park, across from the Nelson-Atkins, followed by the 10K at 7:30 and 5K at 7:45. Use interstates and highways to get around; the KC Streetcar starts at 5 a.m. race morning.

Original source: KC Sports Commission, travel and parking | race page​
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WORTH KNOWING

⚾ FOUR ROYALS ARE GOLD GLOVE FINALISTS

Vinnie Pasquantino, Michael Massey, Nick Loftin and Bobby Witt Jr. are American League Gold Glove finalists. Witt won in 2024 and 2025. Winners are announced Sunday, Nov. 1 on ESPN.

Original source: MLB.com, Oct. 14 | Royals release

⚾ TWO KC-AREA PITCHERS ARE HELPING THE BREWERS IN THE NLCS

Milwaukee leads the Dodgers 3-0 in the NLCS after Wednesday's Game 3. Grain Valley graduate Jacob Misiorowski started Game 1, and Park Hill graduate Aaron Ashby saved Game 2.

Original source: MLB.com, Game 3​

Other sources: FOX4, Oct. 12​

THE COUNTDOWN

Fri, Oct. 16: Mavericks open, 7:05 p.m. · KU Late Night in the Phog, 7 p.m.

Sat, Oct. 17: Kansas at K-State, 11 a.m. · Mizzou at Ole Miss, 2:30 p.m. · Current at Utah, 5:30 p.m. · Mavericks vs. Rapid City, 6:05 p.m. · Sporting vs. RSL, 7:30 p.m.

Sun, Oct. 18: Chiefs vs. Chargers, 3:25 p.m. · Chiefs x Pancho's Blanket collection goes on sale

Sun, Oct. 25: Current regular season finale at CPKC Stadium

Sun, Nov. 1: Gold Glove winners announced on ESPN

Thu, Nov. 12: 15th annual Chiefs Style Lounge at Arrowhead, 5 p.m.

REAL ESTATE SCENE

​SPONSORED BY MOVING TO KC​