KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Kansas City Royals and Hallmark Cards announced plans Tuesday for a proposed new stadium and large-scale mixed-use development at Crown Center, a project leaders say would bring billions in private investment and reshape one of Kansas City’s most recognizable districts.
The proposed development would include a new Royals ballpark, surrounding mixed-use space and reimagined headquarters for both the Royals and Hallmark. Officials said the broader project would span 85 acres and center around a park-like public square with fountains.
According to the announcement, the project is expected to generate more than 20,000 construction jobs and bring at least $2 billion in private investment, which organizers say would make it the largest private development investment in Kansas City history.
“Our founder Ewing Kauffman wanted the Royals to be Kansas City’s forever, and he wanted the team to benefit his hometown as much as possible,” Royals CEO and chairman John Sherman said in a statement. “Joining Hallmark with this project achieves both and extends the Hall family’s critical legacy of helping Kansas City grow.”
Hallmark Executive Chairman Don Hall Jr. said the project would bring the Royals’ identity back to the neighborhood where it began.