Inside the rise of the Power and Light District
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The construction of Power and Light. Photo: Courtesy of Kansas City Power & Light District
A decade after One Light rose into the sky, the Power and Light District is now one of Kansas City's most-visited neighborhoods.
Why it matters: Downtown has come a long way in recent history, and this 816 Day, it's worth remembering where the city center has been to better understand where it's going.
Context: KC's Economic Development Corporation described the Power and Light area in the 1990s as "a patchwork of empty parking lots, dimly lit storefronts, and vanishing foot traffic."
- In comparison, the district saw 18 million total visits in 2024, according to phone data gathered via Placer.ai in partnership with the Downtown Council.
Catch up quick: In 1999, Kay Barnes made history as KCMO's first female mayor. She became known for "pushing downtown Kansas City into the 21st century and restoring its relevance," longtime local journalist Kevin Collison wrote for the Kansas City Star.
- Many of the district's biggest investments were secured under her tenure: KC Live!, H&R Block's headquarters, and the Sprint Center (now T-Mobile Center).
- Then in 2015, One Light opened as the first downtown residential high-rise in four decades.
What they're saying: "I lived here before the District broke ground," Power and Light District president John Moncke tells Axios.
- "It is hard to believe that there was actually [a] pack of wild dogs that roamed my neighborhood downtown. That's not a figure of speech. I had to change my route when I walked our dog."
In the last decade, The Cordish Companies has constructed two more Light towers and opened the Midland Lofts. The success of the KC Streetcar has led to two route extensions, which will triple its length by 2026.
- Plus, KC Live! has become a gathering space for watch parties, concerts and iconic moments, like the announcement of KC as a World Cup city.
Stunning state: KC Live! drew more than 6 million visits in 2024 according to Placer.ai data, more than the attendance at the Chiefs, Royals, Sporting KC and the KC Current home games combined.
Friction point: In the early days, project leaders expected that the tax generated from the district would more than cover the debt its construction incurred — but that didn't turn out to be the case.
- City spokesperson Sherae Honeycutt says the city has had to step in to cover part of the debt every year since it started.
Yes, but: Downtown stakeholders say it was worth it. The Downtown Council tells Axios P&L has generated $6 billion in new downtown investment within a half-mile radius.
What's next: Construction on Four Light could begin this year — and two more could follow, the Star reports.
- Plus, a plan to put a park over I-670 downtown is moving forward after receiving federal environmental clearance in May.