KANSAS CITY, MO - The Cordish Companies unveiled plans today for a significant $10 million upgrade to Kansas City Live! in the Power & Light District. This transformative multi-venue project will include updates to existing spaces and the introduction of a new concept to further enrich Kansas City’s vibrant entertainment destination.
“We are thrilled to bring these significant upgrades to the heart of the Power & Light District and continue reinvesting in downtown Kansas City,” said John Moncke, President of the Power & Light District. “Over the past two decades, the Power & District has grown into an internationally recognized destination for entertainment, concerts, watch parties and events of all kinds with Kansas City Live! as its anchor. These enhancements and new concepts to Kansas City Live! will not only elevate our guest and resident experience, but will further solidify the Power & Light District as an iconic destination for world-class entertainment and hospitality.”
The District’s entertainment anchor, Kansas City Live!, welcomes millions of guests each year to events such as the highly popular Miller Lite Hot Country Nights concert series, NCAA’s Men’s and Women’s Big 12 Basketball Tournaments, cultural and community gatherings, charity events and high-energy watch parties for sports events of all kinds. Kansas City Live! has been featured on national and international broadcasts, including the Super Bowl and FIFA World Cup Championships.
The revitalized entertainment anchor will feature exciting new additions and improvements, including:
Kansas City Live! Block: One of the most visited and engaging entertainment destinations in the Midwest, the Kansas City Live! Block will undergo extensive upgrades designed to enhance the comfort, convenience and entertainment for guests year-round including:
A dramatic new exterior canopy, ceiling heaters, and misters will make the open-air venue welcoming during all seasons.
New high-definition ribbon boards and enhanced theatrical lighting will bring shows and events to life like never before, transforming the space and creating an immersive visual experience.
Expanded group seating areas, fresh landscaping and additional bar access will create the perfect atmosphere for day and evening gatherings.
Guest favorite, Pizza Bar, will receive a patio refresh with new outdoor seating, upgraded finishes and bar.
Besos y Abrazos: Opening in spring 2025, Besos y Abrazos brings a bold new energy to Kansas City’s dining and nightlife scene. This Latin-inspired venue offers a vibrant fusion of expertly crafted cocktails, innovative dining and dynamic DJs, all designed to create an unforgettable, high-energy atmosphere.
From shareable plates like Brazilian cheese bread with charred tomatillo crema and loaded tostones with braised beef and pico de gallo, to Cuban steak tacos with creamy mojo and house-made empanadas, the dishes draw inspiration from traditional street foods across Latin America.
Guests can indulge in a vibrant selection of margaritas and refreshing sangria options crafted with premium Spanish wines, as well as inventive tropical rum and tequila-based cocktails with colorful and bright garnishes.
Mosaic: Kansas City’s premier nightclub, Mosaic, will get a $2.5 million upgrade and expansion, nearly doubling in size, giving visitors an even more elevated nightlife experience.
Standout features will include a state-of-the-art audio system, lighting, and DJ booth backed by a new high-resolution LED wall creating an immersive experience that rivals any Las Vegas venue.
New luxury lounge with expansive bar and additional VIP seating, perfect for hosting exclusive private events.
A thoughtfully refreshed patio will blend sleek design and lush greenery to create the perfect spot to unwind or socialize, while enjoying a seamless connection to the dance floor.
“Mosaic is one of the most successful nightlife venues in the Midwest,” said Eric Coomes, Strategic Partner and Resident DJ of Mosaic. “With this renovation, we’re taking things to the next level with the best talent, audio-visual technology and guest experience.”
For almost two decades, The Cordish Companies has invested in downtown Kansas City, with both new construction projects and the restoration of historic buildings. The renovations and new tenants come at a time of massive residential growth for the Power & Light District, with the opening of the historic Midland Lofts in September following the newly built Three Light luxury apartments in 2023. These properties, along with One Light and Two Light luxury apartments, are home to over 1,500 residents and contribute to the elevated urban living lifestyle that the Power & Light District offers residents.
Additionally, the Power & Light District recently welcomed several new tenants including eateries HomeGrown and Modern Market and look forward to celebrating several new tenant openings in 2025 including the flagship location of Three Dog Bakery, America's original dog bakery, and The Yard Milkshake Bar, a destination popular for its extravagant over-the-top milkshakes. The Kansas City Power & Light District remains the cornerstone of downtown Kansas City’s explosive growth, attracting 18 million visitors last year.
“KC Live! and the Power & Light District have brought eyes from around the world to Kansas City, showcasing our exceptional community through sports, entertainment, and celebration. From hosting World Cup festivities to serving as a key gathering place for music fans each week, KC Live! is woven into the fabric of Kansas City's culture," said Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas. "The Cordish Companies' reinvestment opens up new exciting opportunities for Kansas Citians and visitors and I am proud of their continued commitment to Kansas City's ongoing growth."
Construction of the reinvestment project is scheduled to commence in November and is slated for completion prior to the Big 12 Men’s Basketball Tournament in March 2025. The upgrades will be done in phases to allow Kansas City Live! to remain open during construction.
About The Cordish Companies: The Cordish Companies’ origins date back to 1910 and encompass four generations of privately-held, family ownership. During the past ten decades, The Cordish Companies has grown into a global leader in Commercial Real Estate; Entertainment Districts; Sports-Anchored Developments; Gaming; Hotels; Residential Properties; Restaurants; International Development; Coworking Spaces; and Private Equity. One of the largest and most respected developers in the world, The Cordish Companies has been awarded an unprecedented seven Urban Land Institute Awards for Excellence for public-private developments that are of unique significance to the cities in which they are located. The Cordish Companies has developed and operates highly acclaimed dining, entertainment and hospitality destinations throughout the United States, many falling under The Cordish Companies’ Live! Brand, highly regarded as one of the premier entertainment brands in the country. Welcoming over 55 million visitors per year, these developments are among the highest profile dining, entertainment, gaming, hotel and sports-anchored destinations in the country. Over the generations, The Cordish Companies has remained true to the family’s core values of quality, entrepreneurial spirit, long-term personal relationships and integrity. As a testimony to the long-term vision of its family leadership, The Cordish Companies still owns and manages virtually every business it has created. For more information visit www.cordish.com or follow us on X (formerly Twitter).
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About The Kansas City Power & Light District: The Kansas City Power & Light District is a vibrant multi-city-block neighborhood in the heart of downtown Kansas City that is redefining the city from its skyline to its sidewalks. The District links together the renovated Bartle Hall Convention Center, the T-Mobile Center, offices, hotels, entertainment, cultural destinations and residential developments. The combination of entertainment, shopping, nightlife and residential with the District’s imaginative and innovative design has created an intriguing 24/7 neighborhood. For more information, visit www.powerandlightdistrict.com.