Power & Light: $10M in Live! Block upgrades planned before downtown’s Big 12 ‘opening day’

The Kansas City Live! Block in the Power & Light District — a place KCMO Councilman Crispen Rea calls the living room of Kansas City — is set for a $10 million upgrade, local business and civic leaders announced Thursday. Key updates also target the popular District nightclub Mosaic.

“It’s become an engine that generates high-octane energy, national and international attention, and year-round activity,” John Moncke, president of Power & Light, said at a press conference at Kansas City Live! with Rea, KCMO Mayor Quinton Lucas, and Kathy Nelson, president and CEO of the Greater Kansas City Sports Commission and Visit KC.

“This block alone had over six million visitors last year, which is equivalent to all the fans combined that went to home games for our local pro sports teams,” he noted.

“KC Live! is the heart of celebration, fun, and joy in Kansas City,” added Lucas.

Kathy Nelson, Kansas City Sports Commission and Visit KC; John Moncke, Power & Light; Quinton Lucas, KCMO mayor; and Crispen Rea, KCMO councilman, share a laugh in the Kansas City Live! block at Power & Light; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

The plans unveiled Thursday by The Cordish Companies include a new canopy, ceiling heaters, misters, high-definition ribbon boards, enhanced theatrical lighting, and expanded group seating areas for the KC Live! Block — known for its Super Bowl and FIFA World Cup watch parties, NCAA and Big 12 basketball tournament gatherings, and Hot Country Nights concert series. 

Mosaic will also undergo $2.5 million in upgrades and a new Latin-inspired restaurant and nightclub — Besos y Abrazos — is set to open in spring 2025.

Kathy Nelson, Kansas City Sports Commission and Visit KC, speaks during a press conference in the Kansas City Live! block at Power & Light; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

“Investment in our downtown continues to generate results for small businesses, for tourism, the hospitality industry and so many others,” Nelson noted. “Together, we are building a city that is known around the world for its midwest kindness, collaborative spirit, and love of sport. And the Power & Light District sits at the heart of all of that.”

According to The Cordish Companies, Besos y Abrazos will offer a vibrant fusion of expertly crafted cocktails, including a selection of margaritas, sangrias, and Spanish wines; innovative dining, including dishes inspired by traditional street foods across Latin America like Brazilian cheese bread with charred tomatillo crema, loaded tostones with braised beef and pico de gallo, Cuban steak tacos with creamy mojo, and house-made empanadas; plus dynamic DJs.

Mosaic will nearly double in size and upgrades will include a state-of-the-art audio system, lighting, and DJ booth; a new luxury lounge, and a refreshed patio.

KCMO Mayor Quinton Lucas speaks during a press conference in the Kansas City Live! block at Power & Light; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

“We are grateful for the economic development that you’ve developed in the city,” Lucas said of The Cordish Companies. “We’re grateful for you taking a chance on Kansas City. Any of us who were born and raised in Kansas City remember downtown. This particular area — 20 years ago — it was a different place. The haunted houses were actually right here, at least a few were. You could find any number of things, including, occasionally, a bull that had escaped and gone free.” 

“What Kansas City is today is something truly special,” he added.

Construction and upgrades have already begun, Moncke said, and Kansas City Live! will remain open during the upgrades.

“These projects are planned to be completed in time for what we call downtown’s opening day, which is the Big 12 men’s and women’s basketball tournaments in March,” he noted.

“These enhancements and new concepts to Kansas City Live! will not only elevate our guest and resident experience, but will further solidify the Power & Light District as an iconic destination for world-class entertainment and hospitality,” he added.

The Power & Light District also recently welcomed new restaurants HomeGrown and Modern Market.

Three Dog Bakery and The Yard Milkshake Bar are expected to open in 2025.