KC Streetcar Riverfront Extension

Construction continues on the KC Streetcar Riverfront Extension, a 0.7-mile addition that will connect the Downtown Main Street starter-line to the Berkley Riverfront, enhancing accessibility and catalyzing future development along the riverfront corridor.

The extension begins at 3rd Street and Grand Boulevard in the River Market, crosses the Grand Boulevard Bridge, and ends near the midpoint of Berkley Riverfront. The project aims to provide seamless transit between downtown and the burgeoning mixed-use district, while also improving multi-modal infrastructure.

Next week’s construction activity will focus on sidewalk, curb, and roadway work along 2nd Street.

A portion of the street will remain closed, and traffic adjustments will affect drivers in the area. Northbound traffic on Grand Boulevard will not be able to turn left onto westbound 2nd Street, while eastbound traffic on 2nd Street will not have access to Grand. Motorists are encouraged to use 3rd Street for alternate access.

Work will also continue on the future two-way cycle track along Grand Boulevard between 2nd and 3rd Streets—supporting enhanced bike and pedestrian connectivity. Crews are grading and placing rock at the new Traction Power Substation (TPSS) beneath the bridge and installing brackets on the Overhead Catenary System (OCS) poles.

Sidewalk improvements are also ongoing throughout the Berkley Riverfront area, reflecting the city’s broader vision for a connected, walkable waterfront.

Once complete, the extension is expected to bolster access to residential, recreational, and commercial destinations at the riverfront and reinforce downtown’s position as a multimodal transit hub.

The KC Streetcar Riverfront Extension is a key component of Kansas City’s ongoing infrastructure and mobility investment strategy, drawing interest from real estate developers and civic leaders alike.

Ellis Glen Update: Summer 2025 Opening in Downtown Lee’s Summit

Ellis Glen, downtown Lee’s Summit’s first urban infill mixed-use development since 2001, is on track for July 2025 completion. Developed by Integrity Group Real Estate, the 34,324-square-foot project is replacing a long-blighted parcel with a modern, walkable development just steps from restaurants, retail, and the future Downtown Farmer’s Market.

The three-story building will include 26 upscale residential units—studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom layouts with quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, vinyl plank flooring, and contemporary finishes.

On the ground floor, Ellis Glen will deliver 9,000 square feet of commercial space across three suites:

• Suite A: 2,380 SF

• Suite B: 2,886 SF

• Suite C: 2,948 SF

• The suites are build-to-suit and available at $27/SF NNN, offering retail and office users prime visibility in the heart of downtown.

“Our goal was to optimize the ground floor for retail use while incorporating one- and two-bedroom residential units on the upper levels. The design offers a contemporary take on the historic downtown aesthetic by integrating brick elements and emphasizing natural daylight throughout the spaces. We also introduced outdoor areas in front of the retail units to enhance the walkability of the downtown environment. These flexible outdoor spaces allow each tenant to craft a unique experience tailored to the specific needs of their business,” says Sam Collins Principal at Collins I Webb Architecture.

Neighbors Construction is overseeing vertical construction as general contractor. The Kansas City-based firm brings deep experience in delivering mixed-use and multifamily projects on time and within scope.

"Ellis Glen had tight site lines and all of the trades navigated those well. Much of the work had to be staged to accommodate the tight site. The superintendent on the project, Sean French, was a true leader and truly blossomed during the project. I am really proud of his growth," says Ryan Neighbors, Vice President and Project Manager at Neighbors Construction. 

Named in honor of Ellis Glen Bellis, the grandfather of co-owner Pam Hatcher, the development team includes Pam and Tom Hatcher, Jennifer Meents, and Scott Miles, with funding support from Landmark National Bank.

The project was awarded a 25-year, 75% tax abatement through the LCRA Board. For leasing information, contact Erika at 816-745-0055 or erika@igrekc.com.

PART 2: AI and Commercial Real Estate

This week, we’re diving deeper than simple prompts.

Let’s take a closer look at how AI is changing the way CRE professionals evaluate properties, scout locations, and predict return on investment (ROI). What once took weeks of research and gut instinct can now be supported by real-time analysis of everything from demographic data to zoning changes.

AI-powered platforms can interpret massive datasets—foot traffic, mobility trends, economic indicators, environmental risks—and flag locations that align with specific investment goals. Tools like GeoAI visualize opportunity zones on a map, combining satellite imagery with real-time metrics like population growth or business density.

Instead of sifting through public records or outdated reports, CRE teams can generate heat maps based on custom criteria. Think: “Find an emerging retail corridor within five miles of a new residential development, with low crime and rising income levels.” AI can do that.

“We leverage artificial intelligence to enhance productivity, explore creative options in planning and visualization studies, and optimize internal workflows,” said Dan DeWeese, senior associate at Lankford & Giles. “By integrating AI, we are not only improving our operational capabilities but also increasing the quality and value of solutions for our clients.”

Machine learning models trained on decades of transaction data can help predict property value over time—factoring in local economic data, leasing trends, interest rates, and even social sentiment. This is especially valuable in under-the-radar submarkets or during times of market volatility.

Risk Reduction Before You Invest
AI can also help CRE teams flag risks before acquisition. From climate threats to regulatory red tape, NLP (natural language processing) tools can scan everything from zoning code changes to public comment records, identifying signals that may impact long-term success.

Paired with traditional CRE expertise, AI gives decision-makers the insight to move quickly—or walk away smarter.

The Bottom Line
AI isn’t replacing the relationships or instincts that drive commercial real estate—but it’s sharpening them. For those willing to embrace the tech, it’s a powerful edge in a fast-moving market.

Stay tuned for Part 3, where we explore how AI is saving CRE professionals time and money through automation—from lease abstraction to zoning compliance.