Five Under-the-Radar Projects in Kansas City 🏗️

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KC, we’ve got your weekend plans covered! Midtown Makers Market is bringing local vendors, delicious food trucks, & Post Coffee to 211 W Armour Blvd on Sat, April 12, 12-3 PM. Come shop, sip, and support small biz! Free to attend—RSVP today!

Today’s newsletter looks a little different. Here’s what’s in store:

🏗️ Five under-the-radar projects coming to KC

 🍦 Support your local dessert-makers at Fifth & Emery

➕ more!

Development

Five Under-the-Radar Projects Coming to Kansas City

It’s not breaking news that there is massive development on the horizon across the Kansas City metro. The $1B Berkley Riverfront redevelopment, the $500M West Bottoms redevelopment, the KC Streetcar extension, the South Loop project, and the list goes on and on.

But there are so many other incredible projects coming soon that maybe you’ve heard of, or maybe you haven’t. Here are five that we think you should know about:

Atlas9

Atlas9 is a groundbreaking 46,000-square-foot immersive art and entertainment venue coming soon to the Legends area in KCK. Combining interactive exhibits, live performances by Quixotic, and cutting-edge holographic projection technology, Atlas9 creates a dynamic narrative where movie characters and settings come to life.

Designed by Dimensional Innovations and Swell Spark, this $26.7 million project offers nonlinear exploration through themed rooms and interactive features like RFID wristbands. Inspired by global art experiences like Meow Wolf, Atlas9 aims to be a premier attraction for Kansas City, blending art, technology, and storytelling into a one-of-a-kind adventure.

Atlas9 expects to be open this summer. Learn more at their (immersive) website HERE.

Michael’s Wonderworld

Michael’s Wonderworld will be an ultra-accessible amusement park designed for people of all ages and abilities. Inspired by Morgan’s Wonderland in Texas, this 18-acre park will feature inclusive rides, playgrounds, and sports-themed attractions. Its centerpiece, the Multi-Assistance Center (MAC), will provide medical and support services for individuals with disabilities.

Located in Olathe Gateway, the park is part of a $338 million mixed-use development that includes a sports arena and retail spaces. Named after Lamar Hunt Jr.’s grandson, Michael Arkell, whose story inspired its creation. The park aims to foster family togetherness and ensure accessibility for everyone.

The park is expected to open in 2026. Learn more HERE.

Discovery Park

The $900M Discovery Park development in Lee’s Summit will be a transformative 268-acre mixed-use development designed for living, working, and recreation. Featuring 2,791 luxury apartments, two hotels, Class A office spaces, and vibrant retail and dining options, it promises a dynamic community hub.

Highlights include a unique riverwalk district, over five miles of nature trails, and seven acres of recreational lakes for kayaking and paddleboarding. The phased project, set to complete by 2031, aims to create a regional destination with amenities like the Discovery Athletic Club and Poolside Day Club, blending urban convenience with natural beauty.

Check out Discovery Park in detail HERE.

Margaritaville Hotel

When you think beach-themed getaways, you might not immediately think of Kansas City. But the upcoming Margaritaville Hotel in KCK is looking to change that.

The $150M project will be located just east of The Legends at I-70 and I-435. The 229-room hotel will feature outdoor and indoor pools, family-friendly entertainment, meeting spaces, retail outlets, and Margaritaville-themed restaurants and bars. This development is part of the $848 million Homefield Masterplan, aiming to revitalize the area with new attractions.

It will be 5 o’clock somewhere (in KCK) beginning in June 2025. Learn more and book your stay HERE.

800 Grand

BR Companies plans to develop 800 Grand, a $250 million, 25-story mixed-use tower at 800 Grand Boulevard on the north side of downtown Kansas City. The 385-foot-tall building will feature over 300 residential units and approximately 24,000 square feet of retail space.

The project is pending city approvals but if all goes according to plan it will be the tallest building built in Kansas City since 1201 Walnut was completed in 1991.

Developers expect to break ground on 800 Grand in Q3 of 2025.

Food & Drink

Support Your Local Dessert-Makers at Fifth & Emery!

If you’re craving a local sweet treat, look no further than Fifth & Emery Frozen Yogurt and Chocolate!

• New Name, Same Treats: Isaac and Rachel Collins rebranded their three Yogurtini locations in Kansas City to Fifth & Emery Frozen Yogurt & Chocolate, aiming for full ownership and creative freedom. Named after their children, the brand offers the same beloved frozen yogurt alongside new handmade chocolates, caramel apples, and dipped fruits.

• Fro-Yo Around Town: The existing locations—Plaza, Shoal Creek, and Overland Park—began the rebrand process in March 2025. Additionally, new stores are planned for Zona Rosa, opening in May 2025, and Olathe, opening in early 2026.

Fifth & Emery is the sole dessert-focused restaurant on our KC Daily Dine Card. Pick one up before your next sweet treat!

KC Daily Picks

In Other News…

•  🙌 Take a Bite, Make a Difference: Donutology and Monsees & Mayer Law Firm are joining forces to make an impact. Every teal mini donut box purchased means a $10 donation to MOCSA, helping support survivors.*

• 🏆 Top of the Bracket: The Florida Gators narrowly defeated the Houston Cougars on Monday night to claim the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship. Meanwhile we crowned a champion in the 2025 KC Bracket Challenge! Congrats to the maker of the CP KC’s picks who takes home the prize of four local gift cards!

• 🥇 Bringing Home the Gold: Prairie Village native and Speical Olympian Lisa Elsener brought home a gold medal after competing in the World Winter Games in Italy in March. Elsener competed in Alpine skiing.

• 🤘 Rock Show: After canceling their 2024 tour stop in Kansas City, American punk rock band Blink-182 will bring their Missionary Impossible Tour to the T-Mobile Center on Saturday, September 27th.

• 🍖 Best in BBQ: Bracket season isn’t quite over! Don’t forget to cast your vote in the Championship of the 2025 KC BBQ Bracket, which features Q39 vs. Joe’s KC. The winner will be announced in Friday’s newsletter!

• 🫵 Tell Us About Yourself: We write KC Daily for YOU! Do us a favor and take this one minute survey so we can learn more about our readers and your interests.

*content is sponsored

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