Evening Commute Disrupted Near Broadway and 16th as Plans for 33-Story Tower Unveiled
It was just past 5 p.m. Monday when drivers and pedestrians along Broadway Boulevard near the intersection with W. 16th Street in downtown Kansas City found themselves caught up in a wave of discussion and concern. The area, already busy with commuters heading home or to evening events near the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, became a focal point as representatives from EPC Real Estate Group presented detailed plans for a massive new development.
The proposed project, a 33-story high-rise tower named Encore, is set to rise on the west side of Broadway between W. 16th and W. 17th streets. The announcement came during the Port KC Board of Commissioners meeting Monday afternoon, where developers outlined a $215 million plan that will reshape this stretch of downtown, directly affecting the Crossroads and River Market neighborhoods.
What’s Being Planned at Broadway and 16th?
EPC Real Estate Group, based in Overland Park, revealed that the Encore tower will occupy 1.34 acres and include 392 residential units. The breakdown includes 134 studio apartments, 118 one-bedroom units, 134 two-bedroom units, and 6 three-bedroom units. Notably, around 126 of these units will be designated affordable, supported by a $2 million phased contribution to Kansas City’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund.
The first parcel of the project will also feature 481 parking stalls. However, due to proximity to Kansas City Downtown - Wheeler Field, the tower’s height will be capped at 366 feet. Plans for two additional parcels are still being developed but won’t face the same height restrictions.
Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in late 2026 and could last through 2029, pending bond authorization approval from Port KC and execution of development agreements.
Why This Matters to You as a Kansas City Resident
If you live, work, or commute through downtown Kansas City, especially near Broadway Boulevard, this project will affect your daily life. Here’s how:
- Traffic Congestion and Delays: Construction of a high-rise this size will bring significant road closures, detours, and increased congestion around Broadway, W. 16th, and W. 17th streets. Expect longer commute times, especially during rush hours.
- Parking Challenges: While the project adds 481 parking stalls, construction and increased residents could strain existing parking in the Crossroads and River Market neighborhoods. Visitors and residents alike may find parking scarce and expensive.
- Housing Market Impact: The addition of nearly 400 residential units, including affordable housing, could shift rental prices and availability in downtown neighborhoods. This might relieve some pressure but also change the character of nearby communities.
- Safety Concerns: Massive construction zones in busy pedestrian areas increase risks of accidents. Noise, dust, and heavy equipment will affect residents’ health and safety.
Ignoring these impacts could mean you face unexpected delays, higher costs, or unsafe conditions without preparation.
If This Development Affects You: What to Do Now
If you live, work, or frequently travel through the Broadway and 16th area, take these steps immediately to protect yourself and your household:
- Monitor Local Traffic Updates: Follow Port KC and Kansas City transportation alerts to stay ahead of road closures and detours.
- Plan Alternative Routes: Identify side streets and less congested paths through the Crossroads and River Market neighborhoods to avoid construction zones.
- Review Your Housing Situation: If you rent or own nearby, assess how construction noise and traffic might affect your living conditions and commute.
- Secure Parking Early: If you rely on street parking or nearby garages, consider early reservations or alternative parking options to avoid last-minute stress.
- Prepare for Noise and Dust: Invest in air purifiers or soundproofing if you live close to the site, especially if you have health conditions exacerbated by dust or noise.
- Attend Public Meetings: Engage with Port KC board sessions or city planning forums to voice concerns and stay informed.
- Document Issues: Keep records of any damage, noise violations, or safety hazards during construction for potential claims.
When Professional Help Becomes Necessary
There will be critical moments when you cannot manage the impact of this project alone and must seek professional assistance:
- Legal Help: If construction causes property damage, violates noise ordinances, or affects your lease or housing rights, contact a local attorney specializing in real estate or tenant law. These issues require expert navigation of city codes and contracts.
- Contractors and Repair Services: Should your home suffer structural damage, cracked walls, or water intrusion from nearby excavation, hire licensed contractors immediately to assess and repair. Do not delay repairs as damages can worsen.
- Urban Planners or Consultants: If you are a property owner or business along Broadway or in the Crossroads neighborhood, professional planners can help you adapt to zoning changes or negotiate with developers.
- Traffic and Safety Experts: Businesses relying on customer access may need consultants to develop alternative delivery or parking plans during construction.
Delaying professional intervention risks escalating costs, legal complications, and prolonged disruption.
Local Context: What This Means for Kansas City
The Encore tower will transform the stretch of Broadway between W. 16th and W. 17th streets, a corridor many Kansas Citians use daily. Residents of the Crossroads and River Market neighborhoods will see their communities change dramatically over the next several years. The proximity to the Kauffman Center for Performing Arts means the area is already a cultural hub, but construction will test the patience and resources of local businesses and residents.
As Kansas City pushes to grow its downtown housing options, this project is a prime example of the balancing act between development and livability. What happens here will ripple out, affecting traffic patterns, housing affordability, and neighborhood character citywide.
Where This Is Happening in Kansas
The Encore project is centered on Broadway Boulevard between W. 16th and W. 17th streets, right across from the Kauffman Center for Performing Arts. This area sits at the edge of the Crossroads Arts District and just south of the River Market neighborhood.
Broadway is a major north-south artery that connects downtown Kansas City with neighborhoods to the south and north. W. 16th and W. 17th streets serve as key east-west connectors, funneling traffic between the central business district and residential areas.
Locals often pass through this intersection when commuting to work, attending performances at the Kauffman Center, or visiting the nearby Union Station. The area is a nexus for public transit routes and pedestrian traffic, making any disruption here highly impactful.
