People excited to see what changes will come to the Country Club Plaza as new ownership takes over

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - The Country Club Plaza is getting new ownership. On Friday, the closing of the sale was planned for Ray Washburne and Stephen Summers.

Washburne and Summers are based out of Texas and own Highland Park Village, a similar entertainment district to the Plaza in Dallas.

Any changes they have planned won’t happen overnight, but many Kansas Citians are excited to see what will happen with this icon.

It has been a staple in Kansas City for over 100 years.

“When I think about Kansas City that is the first thing that comes to mind,” said Saulius Tunkunas, who moved to Kansas City from Europe.

Its architecture resembles Seville, Spain. This unique place provides many memories for people both from the area and those visiting.

“I used to come down here with my friends and we would spend hours and hours just walking around and going to different stores,” said Franziska Zueckert, who grew up in Prairie Village.

“We do a lot of walking around we like to go to the bookstore as well,” said Rei Gnadaj, who visits the Plaza weekly.

But in the last few years, one-by-one shops and restaurants have closed their doors for good.

Also, reports of crimes have started to tarnish the reputation of the Plaza.

With this new ownership, KCMO Mayor Quinton Lucas hopes this change will not only keep the Plaza alive but breathe new life into it too.

“This is an outstanding time to be in Kansas City. I think very soon you will hear how hundreds of millions of dollars will be invested in this crown jewel of Kansas City,” said Mayor Lucas.

Some would like to see more businesses and restaurants call the Plaza home.

“I would love to see some new smaller independently owned stores. I always think that is cool,” said Zueckert.

Others would like to see what all of Kansas City has to offer incorporated into this classic part of the City of Fountains.

“More music opportunities, the art district here is beautiful but it doesn’t get a lot of attention that I think it deserves,” said KC resident, Jewell Sol.

Mayor Lucas plans to welcome the Plaza’s new owners to KC on Monday at 10 a.m.

The event will be streamed on KCTV5.

Copyright 2024 KCTV. All rights reserved.