Chris Vaeth
Senior Vice President/Regional Leader
McCown Gordon
Kansas City is positioning itself as a national leader in inclusive and progressive urban development, Vaeth says. McCownGordon, which was founded in 1999, specializes in construction management, general contracting and design-build.
“Key developments like the South Loop Green Deck, the Berkley Riverfront mixed-use district and the Barney Allis Plaza renovation are reshaping the downtown core, while the Panasonic EV battery plant in De Soto will add 4,000 jobs,” Vaeth says.
The South Loop Green Deck, a 5.5-acre urban park being built over a section of Interstate 670, is planned to provide a walkable space between the central business district and the Crossroads Arts District, with green spaces, accessible play areas, entertainment venues and multimodal transportation options.
The Berkley Riverfront mixed-use development is expected to include more than 2 million square feet of multi-family residential units, retail, restaurants, office space and community areas. The first phase, which opened in late 2024, will introduce at least 480 new residential units, with completion expected in 2026. At the heart of the district is CPKC Stadium, the world’s first purpose-built stadium for a professional women’s sports team. The 11,500-seat facility is home to the KC Current and serves as a focal point for surrounding development.
The redevelopment of Barney Allis Plaza in downtown Kansas City aims to transform a rundown civic landmark into a vibrant and accessible public space. The $90 million initiative is being led by the city, with design by HOK Architecture and construction managed by McCownGordon and LM2 Construction.
“This project is reimagining a run-down civic space into a vibrant urban park above a new underground garage,” says Vaeth. “Building a new underground garage while creating a multi-use plaza above it requires complex engineering and phased construction.”
The new plaza will feature public art, interactive play areas, a dog park and event spaces, making it a cultural and recreational center for residents and visitors.
Adding to the urban vibrancy is the KC Streetcar expansion, which is creating a 6.5-mile system to increase transit access and support local businesses. The Main Street extension opened in October, and the Berkley Riverfront extension is expected in early 2026.
“These transit improvements are expected to improve access to jobs, retail and entertainment while supporting local businesses,” says Vaeth.
Community-focused investments are reflected in a renewed emphasis on education infrastructure, highlighted by the historic passage of a $474 million bond for Kansas City Public Schools, the first in nearly 60 years. The funding will support the renovation of more than 30 schools and nine charter campuses, including new middle and elementary schools, STEAM labs and family empowerment centers.
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Kansas City also recently approved more than $19 million in funding through the Central City Economic Development Program to support 15 community-focused projects in the City Council’s Third and Fifth Districts. The initiative aims to revitalize the urban core by investing in affordable housing, historic preservation, local businesses and cultural projects.
“Kansas City continues to cement its reputation as a center for sports architecture, with KC Current Stadium serving as a national model,” adds Vaeth.
Plans for stadium projects for the Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Chiefs remain in discussion. “The Royals are exploring relocation options after a failed sales tax vote, with Clay County still in the mix and a new stadium targeted for 2028,” Vaeth says. “The Chiefs are weighing an Arrowhead Stadium renovation versus building a new domed venue in Kansas, with updated renderings and public feedback shaping both paths.”
Meanwhile, Kansas City is also preparing to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is expected to attract approximately 650,000 visitors.
“These transit improvements are expected to increase access to jobs, retail and entertainment while supporting local businesses.”
—Chris Vaeth, senior vice president and regional leader, McCowngordon
Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs, will host six World Cup games between June 16 and July 11. To accommodate the influx of visitors, the city is investing in infrastructure improvements, including a $1.5 million upgrade to Stadium Drive to improve accessibility and aesthetics.
The AEC community is also navigating the challenges. “The tariffs have led to an expected 4% increase in construction material prices, with steel, aluminum and copper seeing even higher peaks,” notes Vaeth. “Many suppliers are holding prices for now, but a one-time adjustment is expected before the end of 2025.”
Vaeth says McCownGordon is addressing these challenges with a dedicated preconstruction team that monitors market trends, engages suppliers and collaborates with an economist.
The company also publishes a quarterly economic report to keep customers and partners informed.
“Our insights have attracted the attention of national companies looking for guidance,” adds Vaeth. “By staying ahead of market changes and maintaining transparency, we provide more accurate estimates and strategic recommendations.”
Looking ahead, Vaeth predicts a positive outlook, although challenges remain. “Labor shortages are gradually easing, material costs are stabilizing and interest rates have started to come down, which could spur more construction starts,” he says. “Technology adoption is accelerating, with companies increasingly using AI, BIM and modular construction to improve efficiency and project delivery.”
He sees growth opportunities in manufacturing, data centers, housing and healthcare. “Kansas City continues to be a major investment hub, with demand in housing, health care and evolving care models,” he adds.
