Kansas City Insiders Fear Country Club Plaza Public Housing Resale

This year there has been a great deal of celebration about new ownership of the Country Club Plaza despite continued store & restaurant closings. 

So far we haven't seen much local interest from any homegrown biz looking to move into more than 40 storefront vacancies.

And all of this inspires an important perspective from local real estate insiders who send word our way.

Check-it . . .

"This looks like a bait & switch. The line about "more strategic shut downs" is what did it for me. That's just not how any redevelopment works . . . There aren't many commercial developers willing to let a property lie dormant. Especially an entertainment venue. Instead, this looks more like a very standard flipping play. Sure, the new owners will pay for upkeep and some maintenance but they're not going to put any real effort into rehabilitation. 

"Also, Mayor Quinton Lucas has already told everyone on record that his goals for the Plaza are to increase public housing in order to support the streetcar."

The conclusion from a loyal www.TonysKansasCity.com reader regarding the fate of this historic entertainment district . . .

"Look for another 'partnership' or maybe even an outright purchase from an entity that is supported by taxpayer dollars. Port KC is already poking around and hitting up developers for money. Removing the tennis courts for a MASSIVE public housing development is part of the deal. KCMO obviously has very big plans for The Plaza and from what I've seen . . . The current ownership is transitional at best and a precursor to bigger public housing efforts."

Developing . . .