In early 2024, Port KC outlined plans for additional development by KC Current’s owners in collaboration with Marquee Development. This upcoming phase of mixed-use development, estimated to reach $1 billion in total cost, will add more than 2 million square feet (186,000 sq m) of urban amenities to the riverfront within the next decade. Phase I will break ground by the end of 2024 and will add at least 480 new living units.
(Port KC)
Kansas City’s Berkley Riverfront, on the banks of the Missouri River, is rapidly becoming one of the most promising urban developments in North America. With a history rooted in trade and commerce, and an unmatched reputation for world-class sports, the Heartland of America riverfront is on the brink of becoming a diverse, modern-day community hub of activity, blending residential, commercial, and recreational space.
Named after former Kansas City Mayor Richard L. Berkley, the riverfront was historically a bustling center of trade. However, like many urban waterways across the United States, it fell into decline as the city expanded away from the water and industrial activities there diminished. For decades, the neglected area was characterized by industrial ruins, vacant lots, and a lack of public access.
The turning point came when Port KC—the Port Authority of Kansas City—took on redeveloping the riverfront and restoring its status as a key part of the city’s future. The transformation is well underway, with several key projects completed or in progress. These developments are reshaping the area into a dynamic urban neighborhood suited to attract residents and visitors alike.
One of the earliest projects was the Union | Berkley, a mixed-use development with 410 luxury apartments, more than 12,000 square feet (1,115 sq m) of retail space, and public amenities. Built as a collaboration between Port KC and private developers, the retail spaces include the headquarters of Port KC, and the pedestrian-friendly environment encourages the use of the nearby park and trails. The success of this project sparked additional residential development, including CORE Apartments in 2022, and CORE II will break ground this year.
One of the earliest projects was the Union | Berkley, a mixed-use development that includes 410 luxury apartments, more than 12,000 square feet (1,115 sq m) of retail space, and public amenities. Built as a collaboration between Port KC and private developers, the retail spaces include the headquarters of Port KC, and the pedestrian-friendly environment encourages the use of the nearby park and trails.
(Port KC)
Residents, visitors, and “furry friends”
Named by Forbes in 2018 as one of the nation’s best cities for pet owners, the Bar K Dog Bar is another major improvement now open on the waterfront. The unique concept combines a bar, restaurant, and dog park, offering a place for residents and their pets to socialize, exercise, and enjoy the river. The success of Bar K underscores the growing demand in metro Kansas City for recreational spaces that cater to urban residents and their pets.
In addition to residential and commercial developments, Port KC has also invested heavily in public infrastructure to enhance the riverfront’s appeal. The creation of the Berkley Riverfront Park, a 14-acre (5.7 ha) green space along the river, has been central to this overarching effort. The park features walking and biking trails, picnic areas, a new MO River Mural project, and event spaces, making it a focal point for outdoor activities in the city.
The Riverfront Heritage Trail, a key component of the park, connects the riverfront to other parts of Kansas City, promoting greater accessibility and encouraging more people to explore the area. New additions include a sand volleyball center, fitness court, and coming soon, an outdoor rock-climbing center.
Port KC and the Kansas City Current, the city’s National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team, announced plans for the 11,500-seat stadium in 2021, with groundbreaking in October 2022. The stadium opened in March 2024 to great fanfare, selling out every match in its first season.
(Port KC/Kansas City Current)
Game-changing stadium ignited community momentum
Perhaps the biggest turning point in the redevelopment came with the opening of CPKC Stadium, the first privately funded facility in the world built specifically for professional women’s sports. Port KC and the Kansas City Current, the city’s National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team, announced plans for the 11,500-seat stadium in 2021, with groundbreaking in October 2022. The stadium opened in March 2024 to great fanfare, selling out every match in its first season.
The design of the stadium is modern, with a focus on providing an intimate, fan-friendly experience. With no more than 91 feet (27.7 m) between the pitches and wide concourses, the design ensures that fans are always close to the action. Along with local food and beverage vendors and other premium amenities, the venue also boasts luxury suites, club seating, and a rooftop bar offering stunning views of both the pitches and the riverfront.
One of the most exciting aspects of the riverfront’s future is the planned expansion of residential and commercial spaces. The new Origin Hotel opened its door in October 2024, featuring 120 modern rooms and a sustainable design. Also opening this fall is Two Birds, One Stone, a beer garden and restaurant nestled in Berkley Riverfront Park.
Latest phase
In early 2024, Port KC outlined plans for additional development by KC Current’s owners in collaboration with Marquee Development. This upcoming phase of mixed-use development, estimated to reach $1 billion in total cost, will add more than 2 million square feet (186,000 sq m) of urban amenities to the riverfront within the next decade. Phase I will break ground by the end of 2024 and will add at least 480 new living units. Completion of Phase I is expected in 2026. Ten percent of all residential units across all phases will be set aside for tenants earning up to 50 percent of the area’s median income.
In addition to housing, a dozen new commercial spaces will serve both residents and game attendees, including retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues to further enhance the area’s appeal. The riverfront’s walkable proximity to downtown Kansas City makes it an attractive location for businesses, particularly those in the tech and creative industries that have been driving the city’s economic growth in recent years.
Sustainably & environmentally oriented
The development of Berkley Riverfront is centered on environmental sustainability. Port KC is committed to implementing green building practices in all phases, with a particular focus on energy efficiency, water conservation, and reduced carbon emissions. The riverfront’s green spaces also play a crucial role in promoting environmental sustainability, providing habitats for local wildlife, and helping to mitigate the urban “heat island” effect.
Public transportation will be another critical factor in the riverfront’s long-term success. Construction is underway on the expansion of Kansas City’s streetcar line to the riverfront, which will improve connectivity and reduce reliance on cars, making it easier for people to live and work in the area. The streetcar extension, slated to open in late 2025, is part of a broader effort to integrate the riverfront into the city’s existing transportation network, ensuring that it is accessible to all Kansas City residents.
New connections to the riverfront will include further expansion of the bike and pedestrian system, including the construction of a new pedestrian bridge in 2025 to connect the historic River Market neighborhood to the Berkley Riverfront. Also in the design and planning phase is a new multimodal bridge connecting the Columbus Park and Eastside neighborhoods to the riverfront, as well as transformative connections to the Missouri River. Plans include a marina and a cruise dock, adding a multitude of on-water experience options for residents and visitors in the greater metro area.
Commitment to the “KC Heartland”
Berkley Riverfront is on the way to becoming a vibrant, diverse community, but this effort requires careful planning and a resident-first strategy. Port KC consistently engages with the community to ensure that the resulting riverfront becomes a world-class destination of value for residents from across Kansas and Missouri, one that will remain uniquely Kansas City for many generations to come. As Kansas City continues to grow and evolve, Berkley Riverfront will play an increasingly important role in shaping the city’s internal and external sense of identity—an effort being undertaken with care and concern for the long view.
The future of the Berkley Riverfront is not just about buildings and infrastructure; it is about creating one of the best possible futures for Kansas City’s residents and its nearly 25 million annual visitors. As such, Berkley Riverfront will continue to be a focal point for the region’s growth, one that offers a clear blueprint for sustainable, careful urban development in the 21st century.
