⛲️ Plaza with a Purpose

Plaza with a Purpose: The plan rezones roughly 23.5 acres to a Master Plan Development district, allows buildings up to 178 feet tall in certain blocks, adds approximately 1,100 multifamily housing units, and hands ownership of about 186,000 square feet of public sidewalk right-of-way to the Plaza. Gillon, which purchased the Plaza in 2024, has emphasized both preservation and modernization, continuing restoration of the Spanish-style architecture while introducing new density, retail, restaurants, and office space.

To Develop, or Not to Develop: Longtime residents and Historic Kansas City raised concerns about building heights, with some sites reaching 15 stories or higher. Overcrowding, parking, safety, and traffic are also concerns of local residents.

OP is the Place to Be: Overland Park tallied a total score of 71.76, trailing only Fremont, CA. The high ranking for OP was driven by a No. 2 affordability ranking, a No. 3 socio-economic ranking, and a No. 11 health & safety ranking. For comparison sake, Kansas City, MO landed at No. 82 on the list with a score of 52.32.

A Pattern of Excellence: The No. 2 family ranking adds to a growing stack of 2026 recognition for OP, including No. 2 Best Cities to Buy a House and No. 6 Happiest Cities in America from WalletHub, No. 8 Best Places to Live nationally from Livability, and No. 3 Best Place to Live in Kansas from U.S. News & World Report.

Going Bananas: For those unfamiliar, the Savannah Bananas play Banana Ball, a fast-paced, fans-first version of baseball. Each day, there will be pre-game plaza activities two hours before first pitch, trick plays, and the wildest baseball show on earth.

Clown Show: The Bananas will take on the Indianapolis Clowns, a revived version of the legendary Negro Leagues barnstorming team. The Clowns are coached by Ryan Howard and are presented in partnership with Kansas City’s Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.

🎨 Sheen and Be Seen: Flat, eggshell, satin, or semi-gloss — which paint sheen goes where? Mission Painting's sheen guide breaks it down room by room so you know exactly what to ask for!*

⚾️ Phog on the Field: For the first time in program history, KU Baseball is hosting an NCAA Tournament regional at Hoglund Ballpark in Lawrence. They will take on Northeastern this Friday at noon.

☀️ Soak Up the Sun: Grammy-award winning artists Sheryl Crow will headline at the FIFA Fan Festival on July 10th, joining other headliners like The Chainsmokers, Flo. Rida, The All-American Rejects, and more.

🎢 Summer of Fun: Worlds of Fun season passes are on sale now, and ticket prices go up this Friday! Enchanted Passes start at $65.99 and get you unlimited access to the park, as well as seven other parks across the country.

✈️ Stealthy Stays: Kansas City International Airport’s first new hotel since 1974 has been approved, and will be shaped like a B-2 Stealth Bomber. An opening in late 2028 or early 2029 is expected.

🍺 Last Call: The Bar West in Shawnee has closed its doors. The Bar KC will still operate locations in Mission, Prairie Village, West Plaza, and Olathe.

👏 Feeding the Fans: A quick reminder that we are giving away a six-pack of pennants from Sandlot Goods and a $50 Q39 gift card to one of our Fan Club members this Friday! Join today for a chance to win, and for the satisfaction of supporting your favorite local newsletter.