KANSAS CITY, Missouri (KCTV) – Kansas City developers, architects and marketing firms say they have an idea for a downtown Royals stadium that would not displace local businesses or housing.
The stands would face north toward the skyline. Walking through Washington Square Park, you can already see Union Station and the WWI memorial next door. These designers say the new ballpark would be another attraction that brightens up the area near Crown Center.
When Erik Wullschleger looks down on Washington Square Park, he sees new opportunities for the Crossroads’ appeal if the Royals were to play here.
“You can imagine a future where the stadium actually helps bridge that gap,” the 3-D Development partner explained. “Perhaps even a physical bridge over the railroad that reaches into the Crossroads District.”
Compared to previous plans surrounding the old KC Star Building, Highline Partners, 3-D Development and BNIM Architects say their vision will not impact livelihoods.
“We already have control of a site that does not require any displacement of local businesses,” Wullschleger said. “The only building demolition would be one vacated by Blue Cross and Blue Shield.”
In their designs, the field would be built into the parking lot surrounding the Blue Cross Blue Shield building, with the stands facing the skyline. Then the arena would be extended into Washington Square Park. Jose Cardoso, a student at UMKC, is concerned about parking.
“They should probably build a parking garage before they even build a stadium,” Cardoso said. “Because parking is a problem. I think a big reason people don’t go out as much is because parking is sometimes quite expensive.”
“We are surrounded by 19,000 parking spaces within a four-block radius,” Wullschleger replied when asked about parking spaces. “The infrastructure that exists here is good.”
These plans have not been approved or officially submitted to the Jackson County Legislature, but in a statement, Assemblywoman Donna Peyton, whose district includes Washington Square Park, expressed her support.
The Royals did not comment on those ideas, but said they are still exploring all options. In the meantime, Highline Partners, 3-D Development and BNIM Architects plan to move this project forward and continue to gain public support as they move forward with any efforts to bring it to the team or the Jackson County Legislature.
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