The Country Club Plaza is a privately-owned regional shopping center in the Country Club District of Kansas City, Missouri. It was the first regional shopping center to be designed for cars and opened in 1923. The Plaza is currently owned by its original owners, who remain active in the community today. While many other regional shopping centers have come and gone since then, the Country Club Plaza has stood the test of time. We’ll explore what makes this mall stand out below.
The Plaza was originally designed to provide a mix of small local businesses and national chains, with an emphasis on convenience. The complex was designed to facilitate motorists and parking, and buildings could not be more than two stories. It also included two parking lots in prime locations, which opened in 1928 and were followed by several other parking lots. Despite the challenges of the Plaza, the owners remain optimistic. While it’s not a perfect combination, it’s possible to find a place for both big brands and local businesses in this thriving mall.
Despite the plaza’s success, the Plaza has encountered controversy. The Plaza’s name is reminiscent of J.C. Nichols, the benefactor of the Plaza project. When the Plaza first opened, its name was called Nichols’ Folly. The location, which was once undeveloped, was surrounded by other developments, including the Pembroke Hill School and the Country Day School. As a result, the project was derided as a blunder. The Plaza’s name is also associated with two of the main roads through the Plaza: JC Nichols Drive and Nichols Road.
The City Club Plaza has survived a number of difficult economic and social climates. The area is also home to two internationally recognized art museums. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is located near the Plaza. It features a permanent collection of more than 34,000 works of art and is free to enter. The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art is also open to the public. This museum is located near the Country Club Plaza. Its visitors can enjoy its free exhibits and learn about the city’s history.
Founded in 1923, Country Club Plaza has a long history in the region. The plaza was the first shopping center in the city to use the percentage lease, which pays property owners a certain percentage of the gross revenue of the tenants. Its founder, J.C. Nichols, is credited for this innovation, which has become standard in commercial leases. Businesses in the Plaza include American Century Investments, Gates Bar-B-Q, and Russell Stover Candies.
For over a century, the Country Club Plaza has been a destination for upscale shopping and dining. The Plaza is a 15-block open-air destination that serves as an urban cultural district. With its Spanish-inspired architecture, ornate towers, and courtyards, this upscale destination has become a Kansas City staple. The Plaza’s sidewalks are lined with sculptures, tile murals, fountains, and other decorative items.
Guests will find many unique and eclectic shops at The Plaza. There are a few locally-owned stores and restaurants here, including the Apple Store and Hallmark Gold Crown. A cult T-shirt brand called Charlie Hustle calls Kansas City home, while Baldwin Denim and Standard Style are side-by-side boutiques. And don’t forget to stop by TIVOL, a family-owned jewelry store. All of these locations will make your shopping experience memorable!
If you have a loved one diagnosed with cancer, you should visit the Cancer Survivor Park in the area. Designed to honor those who have battled the disease, this park features LED plaques and ground lights. The open layout and peaceful feeling that it invokes will help calm the mind. You can also visit the horticultural library and Rose Garden in the vicinity of the Country Club Plaza. It’s the city’s most visited park.
Whether you’re shopping for souvenirs or enjoying a date night with your partner, the Plaza has something for everyone. There are restaurants, live entertainment, and art displays. And if shopping is not your thing, Worlds of Fun is an excellent way to fill your day. You can enjoy a meal or an evening with friends at any of these establishments. Just be sure to spend a few hours in the area, too!
The Plaza Lighting Ceremony is a Kansas City tradition. In the middle of November, a special guest flips the switch that illuminates the Plaza. KCP&L workers string over 80 miles of lights to illuminate the Plaza. The Plaza is illuminated on the chilly November night. This event is not to be missed! Just make sure to plan to attend the Plaza Lighting Ceremony and enjoy the festivities. It is a wonderful way to start the holiday season in Kansas City.
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