A powerful new chapter is unfolding at 18th & Vine. Grayson Capital has announced plans to develop a 132-key Tribute Portfolio Hotel in partnership with Marriott International. Set adjacent to the new 30,000-square-foot Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, the project marks the first majority Black-owned hotel in Kansas City in decades.
Led by Grayson Capital CEO Michael Collins, the hotel aims to be more than just a place to stay. “Our goal is to create more than a hotel — this is a cultural destination,” said Collins. “We are building something that reflects the legacy of the Negro Leagues and the vibrancy of the 18th & Vine District.”
The hotel will feature “Reuben and Ella’s,” an upscale restaurant honoring the legacy of the Street Hotel, the city’s last Black-owned hotel. A rooftop bar will offer panoramic views of Downtown, and curated cultural experiences will connect guests with the city’s storied past.
“This project is a powerful extension of our mission to celebrate the history and heroes of the Negro Leagues,” said Bob Kendrick, President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. “It will offer our visitors a new and immersive way to experience the legacy of Black baseball.”
The Tribute Portfolio brand, part of Marriott Bonvoy®, is known for its boutique character and local storytelling, offering guests an authentic connection to each location.
Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas praised the development, calling it “a historic step forward for the 18th and Vine District.”
Construction is expected to begin following completion of the design phase.