KANSAS CITY, Mo. — When Kansas City International Airport’s new $1.5 billion terminal opens later this month, travelers will find plenty of local touches.
Although Edgemoor, the developer of the project, is based in Maryland, the city and the company worked early on to make sure the terminal represented Kansas City.
“The main takeaway for us is that we were intent on engaging minority-owned businesses and local women in Kansas City,” Latoya Goree, executive director of terminal workforce improvement programs for the project, told FOX4 in March 2022. KCI extension. .
That’s a big reason why many restaurants, retail shops, and even art at the terminal all have local ties.
Neighborhoods
Kansas City area travelers will likely notice that there are several sections all based on local neighborhoods.
One of the most important is the famous Kansas City City Market.
In Concourse B, travelers will find a retail outlet, food hall, coffee shop, and other restaurants nearby, all connected to the city market. The areas are even built to look like their counterparts in Kansas City.
The new terminal also features Brookside Local. The store offers travel essentials, indulgences, and gift treats while paying homage to Kansas City’s Brookside neighborhood, known for its love of all things local.
Finally, there are several odes to Kansas City’s historic 18th and Vine District. The new terminal has a neighborhood market and retail store in Concourse A.
Travelers will also find a few other District businesses in the same concourse, including one with memorabilia from the American Jazz Museum.
Restaurants
Dozens of new restaurants are coming to KCI’s new terminal, and locals will recognize many.
Many Kansas City-area favorites are opening a new location in the terminal; in fact, airport officials said 80 percent of terminal vendors are local.
Two new food halls will house local restaurants such as Bo Lings, Boulevard Brewing Company, The Hungry Hatch, Pigwich and more.
Other KC area businesses such as Guy’s Snacks, Messenger Coffee, and Soiree Steak and Seafood House plan to welcome millions to KCI.
Travelers will even find new restaurants that don’t have a Kansas City location but still have a local connection.
Jay ‘Hootie’ McShann’s Blues Bar, for example, will pay homage to one of the founding fathers of Kansas City blues and jazz.
Leagues Sports Lounge & Eatery will feature products from Weston-based KC McCormick Distillery and highlight the history and legacy of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.
Art
Under Kansas City’s One Percent for Art program, the art budget for KCI’s new terminal is $5.65 million. This makes it the largest public art project in Kansas City history.
From over 1,900 applicants, the KCI Build team selected 28 artists to create the work for the terminal.
Nine of these pieces are large sculptures, hanging pieces and ceramics that can be found in the main terminal areas, arrivals road and car park. These pieces were open to professional artists from around the world.
The other 19 pieces, however, are wall art found at the gates of the two concourses. These submissions were open only to Kansas City-area artists or those with significant ties to the region.
Airport officials said that of all the art at KCI’s new terminal, 75 percent was done by Kansas City-area artists or those with close ties.
And even beyond the city the artists call home, odes to the Kansas City region can be found in nearly all of their work.
The “Wings” pottery piece features the Missouri River line and dogwood, the Missouri state tree. The imposing “Fontana”, a tribute to the City of Fountains, will leave travelers in awe.
Pieces like “Ornithology,” “Molten Swing,” and “Let the Music Take You” pay homage to Kansas City’s jazz history. “Sky Prairie” near arrivals was inspired by the beautiful hills surrounding Kansas City.
See in detail
About half of the retail options at the new KCI terminal are local to the Kansas City area.
The 18th & Vine District has a travel shop in Concourse A, and Director’s Cut, a barbershop in the Historic District, is opening a second location in the new terminal.
The Made in KC franchise is expanding once again, showcasing locally made products, apparel and souvenirs at the airport. Renderings show that the KCI store could feature brands like Charlie Hustle and Hallmark, among others.
The City Market will have a retail area to bring travelers gifts, clothing and more from its famous shops.
Even some convenience stores will be local. Inspired by the independent Kansas City news, The Pitch will have loads of reading material, local collectibles and more.
