This is what Kansas City residents want to see at Country Club Plaza

KANSAS CITY, Missouri – Earlier this month, we asked Kansas City residents what they wanted to see happen at Country Club Plaza when HP Village Management takes over the property.

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Since then, we’ve received over 750 suggestions, many of which are similar – crime and safety, pedestrian amenities, restaurants, and retail mix (national vs. local; upscale vs. everyday).

And dozens of comments contained more than one idea.

“Keep the beautiful Spanish tiles, motifs and architecture,” wrote one commenter. “More security. Increased police presence. Relevant shops and restaurants. Offer events with live music, flamenco dancing and guitar.”

Here is the breakdown of the most frequently mentioned topics:

• Security: 290
• Retail: 276
• Restaurants: 180
• Pedestrian experience: 147
• Local options: 134
• Entertainment: 115
• Landscape: 78
• Car Experience: 58
• Architecture: 56

The most frequently discussed topic was security.
During the introductory press conference last week, Ray W. Wishburne, President of HP Village Management, emphasized the importance of improvements in this area.

“There are no eyes on the property”: New Plaza owners talk about security

Many commenters suggested specific retailers and stores they wanted to see on the plaza, but one brand name came up more often than others: Houston’s/Hill Stone.

The former Plaza restaurant was specifically mentioned 29 times in the responses. Scott Summers, who is in charge of leasing for the new ownership group, said he takes note of such feedback.

“This feedback has been very much appreciated”: New Plaza owners discuss restaurant options

While this was not the most common response, many commenters spoke about the need to improve the pedestrian experience around the Plaza.

“I’m an architect and I live, work and play on the Plaza often. I drive and walk on the Plaza every day. Crossings are terribly unsafe for pedestrians; unfortunately, Kansas City has too many drivers who even ignore red lights,” the commentator said. “Safety is the most important thing. Signs and lighting would help the Plaza tremendously.”

Washburne briefly addressed the pedestrian experience and said the new owners would announce more details in the fall.

“We need to redesign the entire street design”: New Plaza owners talk about the future pedestrian experience

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