Creating something out of nothing is a hard task when taking into consideration the needs of the neighborhood, city, and metro areas. That is why I propose the idea of Pedestrianizing the North Loop of Kansas City and making it into a metro wide transit hub.

The amount of development that can be used within the grounds of the North Loop could generate more tax revenue, connect the neighborhoods back together, and create a safer environment for those around. The Existing Land use is purely to buffer the interstate from other pedestrians. Converting the North Loop into development means creating an extended downtown mix use development, adding green space within and densifying the residential community to the East. By doing this we would have to create one lane going east and west for BRT transit or regular bus lines to converge in the center picking up people to go all over the city. This leaves cars to use the South Loop and be granted access through Independence Ave.

To start this decades long project, we would start by building the transit hub that would house multiple passengers and multiple bus routes a day along with creating High to medium density housing to the east. It is far enough from the Loop to not worry about unpleasant noise, but still close enough to walk to the transit hub. After the transit hub is completed, we would then start constructing development around the hub. Small businesses, restaurants, necessities, etc. creating this atmosphere of belonging inspired by the San Antonio Riverwalk. Development will utilize the flat land already made from the highway, but still offering a unique placemaking experience with the 30 degree hill incline.

The Loop itself will consist of a main level providing shade, a shelter from the elements, and rideshare information with another small building mainly for streetcar information. The 2nd level with elevators or stairs leading up to the bridges where other main bus lines or the streetcar pass. In between the 2 buildings there will be greenspace for pedestrians to sit or stand while waiting for their next form of transit. The bus lines that go throughout the metro will meet at this transit station. Going as far north as the KCI airport to south Johnson-Quivira. Other rapid transit bus lines should fill in throughout the day to deal with rush hour traffic as well.

The total cost of this project would be around $75 to $200 million dollars if we included everything from pedestrian improvements, development, and other infrastructure.