Shop, fountains, dragon boats & Spanish architecture? Your neighborhood guide to the Plaza
In the early 20th century, J.C. Nichols, one of the few wealthy real estate developers in Kansas City at the time, shaped the city by building homes on the streets south of Brush Creek. After World War I, Nichols had a vision for a shopping center near his housing developments. Now, it’s known as the Country Club Plaza, a historic shopping district and neighborhood in midtown Kansas City. Like a lot of Kansas City that was built by Nichols, the area has a history of racism and segregation alongside its history of pleasure and recreation.
The 15-block destination now features over 150 stores and 30 dining options, many of which are locally owned and operated. It’s a hub for shopping and events and boasts one of the city’s signature fountains.
Beyond the 15 blocks of the shopping center, the broader Plaza area encompasses neighborhoods known as the West Plaza and the South Plaza down to where Loose Park is, and even Rockhill where the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is.
Must eat or drink
There’s a lot of eating to be done on the Plaza. With over 30 options in the shopping area, it’s hard for residents to pick a favorite.
A representative with the Plaza recommended The Classic Cup, one of the Plaza’s oldest tenants and a beloved brunch destination. True Food Kitchen is great for healthy lunches and The Granfalloon is a favorite for sports and a night on the town.
Kate Marshall, a resident in the South Plaza area, said that some of her personal favorites include:
Bo Lings, which she called the best Chinese restaurant in the city
Rye KC, known for its fried chicken and pies
Prime Social, a cocktail bar great for happy hour with sweeping views of the Plaza from the 16th floor.
O’Dowds, with its rooftop section, is always a fun scene
Gram and Dun, a wonderful outdoor terrace with fire-pits and delicious, smoky cocktails to go with carefully crafted meals.
Must do
One of the Plaza’s signature events is the Plaza Art Fair, which happens this year from Sept. 23-25. It’s one of the biggest art fairs in the city, taking over nine blocks in the neighborhood, bringing over 250,000 visitors to see over 240 artists and musicians throughout the weekend.
If Brush Creek isn’t overflowing from rain, you can take a ride on the gondola. Dragon boat races tend to happen in the spring time in Brush Creek as well.
Walk down Emanuel Cleaver II Boulevard and you’ll run right into the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art with its iconic shuttlecocks on the front lawn. Take a left on Warwick Boulevard and the Kemper Musem of Contemporary Art sits right in front of you.
On a nice day, stroll into South or West Plaza and wander through the antique store district located on 45th Street and State Line. Or take a break and unwind in Loose Park’s 75 acres.
The Plaza is close enough to Westport and 39th Street, so those nights out on the town can be extended if you don’t mind the short walk.
“The central location of our neighborhood in the city makes it ideal for living and working anywhere in town or in Kansas City,” Julie Jennings, a resident in the area, said.
Additionally, there are a number of runs that go through, or end in the Plaza, like the Plaza 10K, the Kansas City Marathon and the CCVI Trolley Run.
Iconic neighborhood thing
Every Thanksgiving holiday, the Plaza gets a little bit brighter at night. Families gather around the shopping center and watch the Mayor of Kansas City flip the switch, turning on the Christmas lights. The lights sit at the top of every building in the neighborhood and aren’t turned off until January.
Known for
The Country Club Plaza is known for its architecture. The Spanish and Moorish-inspired building designs make the Plaza stand out in the city.
“I love the iconic architecture of the Plaza, with abundant Spanish and Moorish and other European influences, the many examples of sculpture, decorative tile work, and beautiful fountains,” Marshall said. “It’s a lovely place to stroll, shop, grab a coffee with a friend or enjoy an amazing, romantic dinner. “
The Plaza has also become a place where protestors gather. Whether it’s for abortion rights, workers unionizing, or police violence and racial justice, you will see protestors gathered with signs where by fountain in Mill Creek Park.
A bit of history?
The Giralda Tower is an exact replica of the original Giralda Tower located in Seville, Spain, which is Kansas City’s sister city. The biggest — or smallest — difference is that the tower in Kansas City is half the size of the original.
The Plaza was also the first retail space designed to accommodate automobiles when it was created in 1923.
Nichols, while responsible for creating the Plaza, was also responsible for the segregation occurring in the area. Many neighborhoods built by J.C. Nichols included covenant restrictions barring Black people from owning homes.
Because of those practices, Nichols’ name was dropped from the parkway and fountain.
How to get involved
Community members and visitors can volunteer for the annual Plaza Art Fair and follow Country Club Plaza on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok for the latest updates on events happening in the area.
If you live in West Plaza or South Plaza, join their neighborhood groups on social media platforms.