New owners detail the future of the plaza during the Plaza Art Fair

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The time has come for yet another Plaza Art Fair in Kansas City.

The fall tradition takes place in the iconic Country Club Plaza. However, the plaza could look very different soon; the new owners are promising changes as the future begins to take shape.

Ownership says this future features more security and walkability.

For years the century-old space has faced many challenges. Those challenges include rising crime and businesses leaving altogether, but the area’s best days may be ahead.

New renderings show some of the concepts the owners hope to achieve.

“I think we need more walkability in Kansas City,” said KC resident Lindsay Downey.

“So I think it’s a good idea. I also think it will cut down on crime that’s been going on.”

According to these new images from OmniPlan and new reports, the goal is to make the plaza more walkable.

Even breaking the area down into separate little districts while cutting down on retail space and bringing in more local restaurants.

“I don’t want retail spaces to go,” said another KC resident Cindy Hisle.

“They’ve had a problem keeping retail around, but I would like to see that stay.”

Possible additions include a boutique hotel and office towers. However, the main concern remains to be security and safety.

“Make sure that people want to go out and feel comfortable walking around and not being in their vehicle like after dark and stuff and feeling safe,” Downey continued.

The development doesn’t stop there investors want to turn the parking lot right behind B&B Theaters into a luxury apartment complex.

That’s right, 4 Light is on its way. In conjunction with our partners at the Kansas City Business Journal , we’ve learned the development plans have been submitted.

Photos from Kansas City Business Journal show what the over $156 million 24-story tower would look like while boasting 293 units.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.