Over the past few weeks, I have developed a design for a North Loop Transit Station including a stretch of mix-use downtown development and greenspace inspired by the San Antonio Riverwalk. Coming to this conclusion took research in why a transit hub is needed. What was found within the classes research was that with the Buck O’Neil Bridge built, the number of automobiles running through the North Loop is significantly less then the rest of the loop making a it great candidate for a BRT transit only passageway.

The new uses that could go on the new urban land next to the highway can include a pedestrianized focus as the area just north is Kansas City’s River Market. It would cohesively run together connecting the bridge of pedestrian walking development within downtown and bus transportation throughout the greater metro area. I personally see a great mix of housing to the east and more commercial development throughout the middle and West of the North Loop. Keeping a lot of the green space is also important as there is already a big impact of the Urban Heat Island Effect throughout the area and having a park like structure around the pedestrian development would improve activity.

Within the next 20 years Kansas City is estimated to grow along with the rise of AI and technological advancements. Opening the North Loop to become not only a transit hub, but a prime place to test or use new high speed forms of transportation like a light rail. Of course this may be more than 20 years in the future, but eventually have a rail from east to west coast cutting right through Kansas City would bring a new realm of possibilities. For now, having a few main line of buses spanning from the KCI Airport all the way down to South Lee’s Summit or Spanning from Olathe to Blue Springs would give opportunities to residents they may not have had before. These opportunities could be more job openings as they don’t have to stay within their town, seeing family, etc.

The housing market within Kansas City is just like anywhere else in 2025, expensive and scarce. Within the North Loop I believe we can utilize the existing landscaping and build housing on the flat interstate ground. Building multi-family housing to the East side where there is already a park and neighborhood would densify and create a connection between the neighborhoods that were once divided by the highway. Living near the North Loop especially if the transit hub is bult would give you access to the whole metro area by just walking a few blocks. You would have access to small businesses and new development would include places like a grocery store, and essentials all while being far enough away where noise wouldn’t be a problem.

The North Loop has several development opportunities where the land and its people could benefit greatly instead of being underutilized by its one use… for cars. I see the North Loop being turned into a destination where people alike can gather and explore our great metro area.