KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City’s Crossroads Arts District is poised for a significant expansion of its entertainment scene.
Last week , developers behind Pennway Point released details and renderings of the multi-faceted six-acre entertainment location flanked by Interstate 35 on the west and W. Pennway/Broadway Boulevard on the east.
"We're uncovering a jewel and Kansas City is bringing it back to life and re-purposing it for all of Kansas City and the region to see," said Dante Passantino, with DAVINCI KC one of the developers working on Pennway Point.
Passantino says the project will incorporate two separate indoor/outdoor spaces dubbed Barrel Hall and Talegate as part of a renovation of the century-old Carter-Waters building and the Pennway Oil Company.
As part of the project, developers say construction has started on a 150-foot observation wheel and mini golf “experience,” as well as Neon Alley, a collection of 50 vintage neon signs from Kansas City’s past, curated by The Lumi Neon Museum.
Developers say the 6,000-square foot Barrel Hall will include a barrel aged “tasting experience and taproom” in partnership with Boulevard Brewing. The brewery says the experience will be brand new to Kansas Citians and craft beer lovers.
"So this will allow people to be able to sample beers at three months, six months, nine months and then the finished product that they are used to buying in the stores," said Julie Weeks with Boulevard.
Barrell Hall will also include Würstl, featuring old-world sausages by Nicholas Grünauer; spirits and cocktails from The Bull Creek Distillery and barbecue from Chef J BBQ.
“This is going to be a live fire and live action kitchen, you can sit down and be part of," said Justin Easterwood with Chef J BBQ.
Next door to Barrel Hall will be the 30,000-square foot Talegate, featuring Beef and Bottle, a collaboration featuring burgers from the KC Cattle Company and cocktails; Funk House Lounge, themed after the old Funkhouser Equipment Depot Building; and Talegate Park, an indoor/outdoor area with stage, live events, yard games, central screen and winter ice skating.
Developers say they are working on a proposed "Greenline" trail head that would connect Pennway Point with the nearby Union Station and the rest of the Crossroads Arts District.
The original plan was to be open in time for the NFL Draft but supply chain issues and the acquisition of certain permits caused the timeline for Pennway Point to shift. At capacity, the district can host thousands of people, with 400 parking spots on site and additional parking available at Union Station.
"I think in the next 10 years, Pennway Point will be the family friendly entertainment destination for Kansas City in the Midwest region," said Passantino.
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