KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A section of Wornall Road at 75th Street is currently causing headaches for drivers, business owners and customers.
On December 7, 2023, the Kansas City, Missouri City Council approved $13.9 million for improvements to the area around the intersection. Some of these improvements focus on adding sidewalks, increasing parking, and installing new pavement and traffic lights. The city said the road work is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2025.
Another year of road construction may spark some grumbling, but the executive director of the Waldo Area Business Association said he wants it to lead to a safer neighborhood.
“Let's not forget that we've been working on this for 10 to 12 years, so in many ways we've been working towards this ever since. Let's push through to the end and there is a light at the end of the tunnel and it's going to be really great when we're done,” Executive Director Shawn Anderson said.
According to an update KSHB 41 News received from the city, the south parking lot is scheduled to be completed by July 26. Paving of Wornall Road from 73rd Terrace to 75th Street is expected to be completed by August. Work on 75th Street from Washington Street to Wyandotte Street is expected to be completed by November. Then work on Wornall Road from 75th Street to 79th Street is scheduled to begin in early 2025. All of these timeframes are weather dependent.
Anderson said the chamber has been getting creative in attracting business. The chamber hosts “Waldo Wednesdays” and does “cash mobs” by identifying restaurant and retail space and promoting it on social media, Anderson said. Mayor Emeritus George Medina also supports the community.
“So every week we've been handing out gift cards, some with our own funds and some with Mayor Medina's funds, to get people out and shop in the area. We've put up signs all around Waldo reminding people that businesses are open and will continue to be open. We're showing people where to park and reminding people of all the great things that this area has to offer,” Anderson said.
Soap Refill Station is currently awaiting completion of a parking lot south of the store to allow easier access for customers. Manager Lexie Reynolds said she expected the worst regarding the construction but has only seen a slight drop in sales.
“It's going pretty well, honestly. It's been steady. I think we still have a pretty established customer base. The main thing we're losing is people who drive by and say, 'Hey, what's that?' and just check it out. So I think we're losing a fair bit of new people. But other than that, I think we're holding up,” Reynolds said.
She added that she hopes the completed renovations will bring even more business to Waldo.
The Waldo Area Business Association regularly posts updates from the city on its website.
