Kansas City Power & Light District

This dynamic “live-work-play” district integrates dining, shopping, office, residential and entertainment spaces over seven city blocks in downtown Kansas City. In addition to breathing new life into the urban core, it has become one of the nation’s most successful entertainment districts.

The district has pedestrian-friendly proportions, multiple entry points, broad sidewalks with narrow streets, open storefronts, public art and extensive green space. A public piazza serves as the focal point. All these elements generate activity at the pedestrian level, giving the district a neighborhood feel. Service retail spaces, including a grocery store and health club, strengthen its long-term viability.

To provide an authentic Kansas City experience, the design uses materials and colors rooted in the historic downtown architecture. The success of the Kansas City Power & Light District, which is adjacent to the Sprint Center, has spurred additional development that is helping to draw more people to downtown Kansas City.

The Cordish Company developed the district as part of a public-private partnership with the City of Kansas City and the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City. HOK was architect of record, with Beyer Blinder Belle of New York providing conceptual design.