Loma Vista
Redevelopment Project

I. Historical Context

 

 

Santa Fe Trail Significance

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The Santa Fe Trail is a vital part of Kansas City’s legacy and national heritage. The Loma Vista Redevelopment Project will honor the Santa Fe Trail by creating an interactive park that tells the story of this historic route. The park will serve as a central gathering space for both residents and visitors, with historical markers, interpretive signage, and multimedia experiences that tell the tale of how this trail helped shape Kansas City as a key trading hub during the 19th century.

The Santa Fe Trail Park will be a pivotal feature of the redevelopment, connecting the site to nearby Schumacher Park and linking to the developing 3 Trails Shopping Center. This will create a corridor of cultural heritage, recreational spaces, and new opportunities for mobility. It will serve as a foundation for community engagement, education, and reflection on the

importance of Kansas City’s past.​​

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Origins of Loma Vista Shopping Center

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Originally opened in the 1950s, the Loma Vista Shopping Center was once a vibrant community hub. This mid-century retail complex was a key feature for middle-class families, offering stores, services, and a sense of community. Over time, however, the shopping center began to fall into disrepair as the neighborhood faced economic shifts, and investment dwindled. By the 1990s, crime rates spiked, and the area became associated with decay and neglect.

This redevelopment project will offer a much-needed reinvention, not just by restoring buildings and infrastructure, but by giving the neighborhood a new purpose—one that honors its legacy while providing residents and businesses with a fresh, future-focused environment.

 

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II. Vision for the Future

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The vision for Loma Vista is to create a pedestrian-first neighborhood that prioritizes the well-being of its residents and visitors. The goal is to minimize car dependency and promote a vibrant, walkable environment. Through innovative urban planning and design, the project will feature alley-connected shops, pedestrian-only streets, and well-lit, traffic-calmed pathways to create a safe, welcoming space for all.

 

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Public Gathering Spaces

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In addition to the Santa Fe Trail Park, the redevelopment will feature a variety of public spaces designed to foster community engagement and wellness. These spaces will include community gardens, shaded plazas, and interactive green areas that provide a safe haven for outdoor activities, relaxation, and socialization. Residents and visitors will have access to places that not only enhance their quality of life but also encourage interaction between diverse groups.

 

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Mixed-Use Design​​

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A critical component of the redevelopment will be its mixed-use nature, which integrates residential, retail, and office spaces into one cohesive community. This design philosophy seeks to create a sustainable and functional environment where people can live, work, and socialize without relying on cars. The inclusion of essential services such as clinics, co-working hubs, community schools, and digital learning labs will ensure that Loma Vista residents have access to all the resources they need, right at their doorstep.

 

 

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III. Project Scope

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The Loma Vista Redevelopment Project will encompass multiple phases, each designed to maximize the potential of this significant area while responding to the needs of the community.

 

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Residential Units

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The project will feature over 1 million square feet of residential space, catering to a wide range of living arrangements. These include workforce housing, senior apartments, and townhomes designed to accommodate different income levels and family sizes. Shared courtyards and walkable blocks will encourage interaction among residents, fostering a sense of community.

 

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Retail & Local Shops

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330,000 square feet of retail space will be dedicated to creating a hub for local businesses, including grocery stores, cafés, makerspaces, and entrepreneurial incubators. The project will place a strong emphasis on supporting minority- and women-owned businesses, with incentives and partnerships aimed at empowering the local business community.

 

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Office Space

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40,000 square feet of office space will be designated for hybrid offices, local nonprofits, and digital learning labs. These spaces will be designed with the flexibility needed for modern businesses and startups, featuring shared amenities that foster collaboration and innovation.

 

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Green Space

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The project will include two major parks. The first will highlight the cultural heritage of the Santa Fe Trail, while the second will offer amenities like fitness trails, playgrounds, and event lawns to serve the needs of families and the wider community. This green space will become a central feature of the Loma Vista neighborhood, offering both relaxation and recreation for all.

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IV. Why Kansas City Needs This​​

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Economic Development

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The creation of a mixed-use district will drive long-term economic growth. Based on similar-sized redevelopment projects across the nation, it’s projected that the local economy will see a 12–18% increase in employment and a $30 million boost in local spending within five years of the project’s completion.

 

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Crime Reduction

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Research has shown that activating spaces with housing, retail, green areas, and community hubs can lead to a 30–40% drop in crime rates. The Loma Vista Redevelopment is projected to reduce crime in the area by 32%, providing safer streets and an improved quality of life for residents.

 

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Taxpayer Efficiency

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The current neglected properties in the area cost Kansas City an estimated $10 million annually in lost taxes, policing, and emergency services. By redeveloping this land, the city will not only reclaim these costs but generate new revenue, making the area a valuable asset to the public.

 

 

 

V. Neighborhood Impact & Community Input

 

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This project is designed by and for the residents of the Loma Vista neighborhood, with direct benefits extending to surrounding areas such as Blue Hills, Santa Fe, Marlborough, and Sheraton Estates. Job creation is a core part of the redevelopment plan, with opportunities in construction, local small businesses, and youth workforce programs.

Residents will have an active role in the design and planning process through community design charrettes, digital surveys, and monthly town halls, ensuring their voices are heard and incorporated into the final design.

 

 

 

VI. Renderings & Design Intent

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Renderings of the project are available upon request, showcasing aerial layouts and detailed designs of the mixed-use spaces, green parks, and retail areas. These renderings reflect the vision of a community-centered, sustainable environment, inspired by updated architectural standards and community-driven urban planning. Special attention is given to the Santa Fe Trail Park, which will serve as the spine of the development, creating a blend of history, mobility, and culture.

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VII. Comparative Projects

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To illustrate the success of similar initiatives:
 

• Armour Blvd Revitalization (KC): Property values rose by 150%, and 50+ new businesses opened within 5 years of redevelopment.

• East Lake (Atlanta): A 90% reduction in crime and $1B in private capital investment revitalized the community.

• La Alma/Lincoln Park (Denver): 40% reduction in crime, and rapid business growth reinvigorated the area.

 

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VIII. Financials

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Total Projected Cost: $86 million

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Funding Mechanism: This project will be funded through a public-private partnership, utilizing federal infrastructure grants, state-level TIF incentives, and private capital from impact-driven investors.

 

Return Timeline: Estimated ROI within 7 years, with reinvestment into local infrastructure, programming, and long-term sustainability.

 

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IX. Timeline

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• Q3 2025: Site preparation, community feedback, and phased demolition begins.

• Q4 2025: Development of Santa Fe Trail Park and initial infrastructure work.

• Q1–Q4 2026: Residential buildings and retail areas begin construction.

• 2027: Grand openings, tenant onboarding, and full community activation.

 

 

 

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The Loma Vista Redevelopment Project is about more than just construction—it’s about honoring the past, building the future, and transforming the heart of South Kansas City into a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive community. We cannot afford to wait—now is the time to seize this opportunity and invest in safety, mobility, housing, heritage, and hope for Kansas City’s future.