Country Club Plaza

The Country Club Plaza is a historic shopping and entertainment district located in the heart of Kansas City, Missouri. It was built in 1922 by Jesse Clyde Nichols as one of the first suburban shopping districts in the United States. The area is known for its distinctive Spanish architecture, fountains, and statues, which make it a popular tourist attraction.

The Plaza covers 15 blocks and features more than 150 shops, restaurants, and boutiques, as well as several major department stores such as Macy's and H&M. It also hosts a number of popular events throughout the year, including the Plaza Art Fair, the Plaza Lights lighting ceremony during the holiday season, and various concerts and festivals.

In addition to shopping and dining, the Plaza is home to several art galleries, museums, and theaters, including the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the Kansas City Repertory Theatre, and the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. The area is also surrounded by beautiful parks, such as Loose Park and Gillham Park, which are popular spots for picnics, jogging, and other outdoor activities.

Overall, the Country Club Plaza is a vibrant and diverse neighborhood that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and entertainment, making it a must-see destination for anyone visiting Kansas City.

The Country Club Plaza was the brainchild of Jesse Clyde Nichols, a prominent Kansas City developer who wanted to create a "suburban shopping district" that would rival the best shopping districts in Europe. Nichols envisioned a shopping district that would be both convenient and aesthetically pleasing, with wide, tree-lined boulevards and beautiful architecture.

The Plaza was built on the site of a former country club that had fallen into disrepair, and Nichols hired architect Edward Buehler Delk to design the area. Delk was inspired by the architecture of Seville, Spain, and he incorporated elements of Spanish design into the Plaza's buildings, including fountains, statues, and intricate tile work.

The Plaza opened in 1923, and it quickly became a popular destination for shoppers and tourists. Over the years, the Plaza has undergone several renovations and expansions, including the addition of several major department stores and the construction of a parking garage. Despite these changes, the Plaza has maintained its distinctive Spanish-style architecture and remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kansas City.

Throughout its history, the Plaza has played an important role in the cultural and social life of Kansas City. It has hosted several major events, including the Plaza Art Fair and the Plaza Lighting Ceremony, and it has been a popular spot for concerts, festivals, and other celebrations. Today, the Plaza continues to be a thriving shopping and entertainment district, attracting visitors from all over the world.

The Country Club Plaza area is well-served by public transportation, with several options available for visitors and residents.

The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA) operates several bus routes that serve the Plaza area, including the 35, 47, and 51 routes. These routes provide frequent service to the Plaza and surrounding neighborhoods, as well as to downtown Kansas City and other destinations throughout the city.

In addition to bus service, the Plaza is also served by the Kansas City Streetcar, a free-to-ride streetcar system that runs through downtown Kansas City and the nearby neighborhoods of River Market and Crossroads Arts District. The streetcar has a stop at Union Station, which is a short walk from the Plaza.

For visitors and residents who prefer to bike, the Plaza has several bike-sharing stations located throughout the area. The city of Kansas City also has an extensive network of bike lanes and trails, making it easy to get around on two wheels.

Overall, public transportation options are plentiful in the Country Club Plaza area, making it easy to get around without a car.