Downtown stadium sees more Crossroads support than before
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The proposed downtown stadium site. Image: Courtesy of BNIM
The proposed Royals Stadium at Washington Square is getting more support from Crossroads businesses this time around.
Why it matters: It's a stark difference from 2024, when much of the community banded together against the suggested site on the neighborhood's north end, ultimately resulting in a defeated tax proposal.
Flashback: When the Royals proposed tearing down the Kansas City Star building and surrounding businesses in 2024, opposition was fierce.
- The Crossroads Community Association (CCA) signed a community benefits agreement with the Royals shortly before the vote but said the team's commitments were disappointing compared with previous negotiations.
- Rumors of eminent domain swirled as 20 landowners faced the prospect of selling.
Context: Washington Square Park, part of the new proposed site, is owned by the city.
- Most of the rest of the site — a parking lot and a vacant office building — is owned by Wichita engineering firm Crane Co.
- Just last week, Crane bought an office tower adjacent to the site. Its CEO told the Kansas City Business Journal he's "optimistic the view may ultimately overlook a new stadium."
What they're saying: CCA president and restaurant owner Nicholas Grünauer tells Axios the board supports what he says would be "a really positive development."
- "We're not throwing a stadium down on top of people's properties" this time, he says, adding, "Everything gets better when you have that amount of investment."
- Raygun founder and owner Mike Draper tells Axios the 11.6-acre site "is not the best use of space" currently, adding that the stadium could contribute to a "full, vibrant downtown."
- Union Station, Hallmark and other downtown institutions also signaled their support for the stadium.
Between the lines: During deliberations last week, City Council members said a deal that could fund up to $600 million of the new stadium would hinge on a community benefits agreement.
- Grünauer says he's spoken with team leaders: "The Royals seem invested in the neighborhood and community and recognize that if we win, they win."
The Royals tell Axios they appreciate the city's leadership and "look forward to more detailed conversations."
The other side: "I believe the Washington Park location will be just as devastating, long-term, for local businesses" and entrepreneurship, Jill Cockson, owner of Swordfish Tom's and Chartreuse Saloon in the Crossroads, tells Axios.
- She says public funds should go toward services including police, housing, transportation and education.
- Draper says subsidizing stadiums isn't unique to Kansas City but rather is "an American problem."
The bottom line: A deal is far from complete, but early signs point toward a level of support the team previously did not receive.