Kansas City is in the middle of something big.

Not one project. Not two. Billions of dollars are reshaping the skyline, the riverfront, historic neighborhoods, and fast-growing suburbs all at the same time.

If you have lived here for a while, you can feel it. If you are thinking about moving to Kansas City, this wave of development matters more than almost anything else.

These are not short-term plays. These are the megaprojects that will define Kansas City for the next decade.

I am Kyle, a local realtor who has helped hundreds of people move to, from, and around the Kansas City metro. Whether you are planning a move in three days or three years, understanding what is being built right now can help you make smarter decisions.

The Big Picture of Kansas City’s Growth

Kansas City added nearly 25,000 new residents in 2024 alone. That is roughly a 30 percent increase compared to the year before.

At the same time, major construction timelines across the metro are clustering around 2026. That is not accidental.

Between the 2026 World Cup, long-term infrastructure investments, and sustained population growth, developers are placing big bets on Kansas City. The most visible activity is happening in three areas:

Downtown Kansas City and the riverfront, major suburban developments in places like Overland Park and Bonner Springs, and historic neighborhood reinvestment in areas like the West Bottoms.

All of this points to one thing. Kansas City is positioning itself as a long-term hub for sports, entertainment, tech, and lifestyle-driven growth.

Berkeley Riverfront and CPKC Stadium

The most transformative project underway right now is the Berkeley Riverfront development.

In March 2025, the Kansas City Current broke ground on a privately financed, $1 billion mixed-use development that is turning the Missouri Riverfront into an entirely new neighborhood.

Phase one alone includes 429 residential units, 48,000 square feet of retail, and more than two acres of riverfront gathering space. This includes a new town square and a riverfront promenade that finally makes the Missouri River a destination instead of a backdrop.

A major focus of the development is food and culture. Instead of filling the space with national chains, the goal is to make the riverfront a culinary hub built around local chefs and restaurants.

Anchoring the entire district is CPKC Stadium, an 11,500-seat, $135 million stadium built specifically for a women’s professional soccer team. It is the first of its kind in the world.

Beyond sports, this project changes how Kansas City connects with its river. For decades, the riverfront was largely industrial and disconnected from daily life. This development finally brings housing, walkability, and public space directly to the water.

KC Streetcar Riverfront Extension

The riverfront development becomes even more impactful when you look at how it connects to the rest of downtown.

The KC Streetcar Riverfront Extension is a 0.7-mile expansion linking the River Market to Berkeley Riverfront and CPKC Stadium. The project represents a $61 million investment, partially funded by a federal BUILD grant.

The route runs from 3rd Street and Grand Boulevard, across the existing Grand Boulevard Bridge, and into the heart of the riverfront. A dedicated pedestrian and bicycle bridge is also being added.

As of late 2025, the project is more than 90 percent complete and expected to open in early 2026.

When combined with the Main Street extension, this creates a continuous streetcar line connecting the riverfront to downtown, Midtown, UMKC, and the Country Club Plaza. For the first time, Kansas City will have rail access directly to the riverfront.

This kind of infrastructure unlocks development potential that has been sitting dormant for decades.

Barney Allis Plaza and Downtown Investment

While the riverfront is changing rapidly, downtown’s core is also being reimagined.

The Barney Allis Plaza redevelopment is a $118 million project transforming an entire city block into a modern civic gathering space.

Plans include a large event plaza for festivals, terraced lawns, pop-up and food truck areas, shaded pavilions, and redesigned green spaces. Beneath it all, a new 580-space parking garage will replace the aging structure while maintaining underground access to the convention center.

The project also includes a major public art installation inspired by the site’s history. Construction is underway, with completion expected in mid to late 2026.

This matters because convention traffic fuels downtown hotels, restaurants, and entertainment. A world-class plaza makes Kansas City more competitive for national events and large-scale gatherings.

Additional downtown investment includes the redevelopment of the historic Aladdin Hotel into more than 120 new apartments. Other projects are planned, though some timelines remain dependent on funding.

BluHawk Sports Park Phase Two

South Overland Park is becoming a major destination for youth sports and family-focused travel.

BluHawk Sports Park is a nearly 300-acre mixed-use development near 159th Street and Highway 69. Phase one opened in late 2024 as a 260,000-square-foot indoor sports facility.

In its first quarter of operation, BluHawk generated $7.7 million in direct economic impact.

Phase two, targeted for completion in 2026, will add a second ice rink, additional turf fields, expanded locker rooms, and more flexible event space. Once complete, the facility will exceed 400,000 square feet.

Across the street, The Boundary at BluHawk will introduce a 200,000-square-foot retail and entertainment district. A 99-room hotel is already under construction, creating a full stay-and-play environment for traveling families.

Over five years, the project is expected to generate nearly $100 million in economic impact.

Growth Around the Legends in Kansas City, Kansas

The Legends area continues to evolve into one of the metro’s largest entertainment hubs.

New additions like Margaritaville and immersive attractions have expanded dining and nightlife options. One of the biggest developments is Buc-ee’s, which recently broke ground and is expected to open in 2027.

Buc-ee’s is not a typical gas station. It is a massive travel center with over 100 fuel pumps and a devoted following that turns stops into destinations.

Combined with existing retail, sporting venues, and entertainment, the Legends area is increasingly functioning as a destination district rather than a single shopping center.

Mattel Adventure Park in Bonner Springs

One of the most talked-about projects in the region is the Mattel Adventure Park, planned for Bonner Springs.

Originally announced with a 2026 opening timeline, the project has faced delays. As of late 2025, construction is expected to begin in 2027 with completion projected around 2030.

The park is still planned to include major attractions like Hot Wheels roller coasters, a Barbie Beach House experience, Thomas and Friends rides, zip lines, and a man-made lake.

The estimated investment is nearly $540 million and is part of a larger Destination KCK resort development that includes hotels and additional attractions.

While timelines remain fluid, the long-term impact could be significant if the project reaches completion.

West Bottoms Historic Redevelopment

One of the most exciting aspects of Kansas City’s growth is the reinvestment in historic neighborhoods.

The West Bottoms is undergoing a $527 million redevelopment led by SomeraRoad, covering 21 acres and 29 historic properties.

The multi-phase project is expected to take more than a decade to complete and will ultimately include over 1,200 residential units, office space, retail, and boutique hotel rooms.

Early phases include the redevelopment of the Moline Plow Company Building into loft apartments and the adaptive reuse of other historic structures for retail and office space.

The city is investing more than $40 million in infrastructure upgrades to support the development.

Rather than replacing history, the project preserves early 1900s architecture while creating a modern mixed-use district.

What Is Driving All This Development

Kansas City is benefiting from strong demographic and economic tailwinds.

The metro’s median home price sits around $320,000, up modestly year over year. Growth has been steady rather than explosive.

At the same time, Kansas City has emerged as a growing tech hub, with more than 100,000 technology jobs and thousands of established firms.

Diversification across tech, healthcare, logistics, sports, and entertainment has made the region more resilient and attractive to long-term investment.

Challenges and Long-Term Outlook

Rapid growth brings challenges.

Housing supply remains tight, infrastructure must keep pace, and rising construction costs continue to affect timelines. Large events like the 2026 World Cup are accelerating investment but also adding pressure.

Even so, the momentum is real.

Kansas City is not building for a short-term boom. These projects reflect long-term confidence in the city’s future.

The Bottom Line

Kansas City is in the middle of one of the most significant development periods in its history.

From the riverfront to the suburbs, from sports complexes to historic neighborhoods, billions of dollars are reshaping how the city looks, functions, and grows.

If you are considering a move to Kansas City, or already live here and are thinking about what the future holds, understanding these projects matters.

My team and I help people navigate exactly these decisions, where to buy, which neighborhoods are positioned for growth, and how to plan around what is coming next.

To connect with us, visit movingtokc.net/info. Whether your move is months away or years out, we are happy to help you build a smart Kansas City strategy.