| Downtown Kansas City has gone from being the hole in the donut to representing icing on the cake. In just a few years, the unsightly blemish of the metro- politan area has become its crown jewel; the development against which other areas are increasingly measured. If up-coming projects such as the entertainment district perform anywhere near expectations, the area could develop a regional, even national notoriety. Although much of the early renaissance has involved residential development, today’s progress is occurring in several interesting areas. One distinct subplot involves fine and performing arts has evolved in this area. While projects such as the entertainment district or Kaufmann Center for the Performing Arts have set an obvious trend, they are far from exceptions. From the Down- town Loop to Union Station, Kansas Citians may soon go from having “nothing to do” to agonizing over multiple choices. Downtown has had its revivals before, but one significant aspect of the current trend appears to be its momentum. The sheer scale of present progress helps generate more growth, and creates enough mass and density to weather market changes or other challenges. The number of recent announcements that are generated in part by earlier projects may appear to prove this point. The first example may have been in the ring of loft projects that sprang up around the Kansas City Library development. More recently, services ranging from a pharmacy to medical offices are finally arriving to supply that growing population. The most interesting discussion probably involves the future. Should they ever become reality, light rail plans could impact downtown more than any area of the city, at least initially. More immediately, projects such as the complete replacement of the Paseo Bridge will cause disruption, but should ultimately provide important transportation improvements in and around downtown. In that sense, some of the most exciting development downtown is not really downtown. Announced developments south, toward Midtown along Main and Gilham Road indicate the area’s success is contagious. That’s a trend that few will want to medicate.
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