KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Nordstrom, a national retailer, has submitted redevelopment plans to the city for its future store on the Country Club Plaza.
The store's proposed design, however, is raising some eyebrows.
"It don't look like the rest of the Plaza," said Geno Williams, who visits the Plaza frequently.
Representatives for Nordstrom submitted the plans to Kansas City's Planning Office on Friday.
"These buildings are all Seville-style. It'll look like a sore thumb," said John Duerst, who shops on the Plaza.
According to the plans, a combination of textured and metal paneling will wrap the two-story department store.
The store's new home on Jefferson Street will take over three current spaces: Capital Grille, which is preparing to move to the old Williams-Sonoma store; Bank of America, which has already relocated to another storefront on the Plaza; and the vacant Blanc Burgers space.
Under the proposed redevelopment plan, Cinemark loses more than 1,200 seats. More than 200 parking spaces will be eliminated, but the parking garage behind the current structure will remain.
"It looks nice the way it is. I'm just trying to figure out why I couldn't just utilize the building the way as it is," Williams said.
Angie Curry, who lives in the area, is excited for Nordstrom's arrival.
"I think that maybe they can add architecture that kind of fits in with the Plaza. I think maybe that would make everyone happy," Curry said.
A spokesperson for the Plaza released a brief statement Monday: “While we are not able to provide details at this time, we look forward to welcoming this great addition to Country Club Plaza.”
Representatives for Nordstrom did not comment on the proposed plans.
The new store is expected to open in 2021.
