Reese Bentzinger
Editorial Assistant
Northeast News

Last year Kemper Arena mostly remained an empty shell, costing Kansas Citians roughly a million dollars in annual maintenance costs despite its lack of use.

With a new renovation funded by the Foutch Brothers, the iconic facility has been re-imagined as Hy-Vee Arena. Not only will it no longer be a source of financial woe, it will provide a much-needed economic boost to an area in dire need of revitalization.

“The broader idea is that there’s an ecosystem to development,” stated 3rd District Councilman Quinton Lucas, “I think this is an important part of it. This is a good project, and it’s a positive to the community.”

The  renovation of the arena led to some questions about whether or not this could lead to gentrification in the West Bottoms neighborhood. Council members who gathered at the arena for a Wednesday, September 19 meeting of the Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development committee shared an understanding that this is to be actively avoided, and that the arena is part of a larger effort to breathe new life into the area.

Another project planned in the neighborhood is a new apartment development that will include small, affordable apartments for people with modest incomes. The ultimate goal, according to the council members, is not to push out people who need affordable housing, but rather to provide an opportunity for their community to grow.

“We saw the potential for economic development on a larger scale in the West Bottoms,” said 6th District Councilman Scott Taylor. “This is an area that’s wonderful with a long, rich history…but they need some more activity to sustain and grow.”

The hope is that the arena sets an example of sustainability for the area. With the new design, Hy-Vee Arena is expected to serve as a hub of activity, featuring two floors of courts, retail shops, and glass-walled offices.

Although the building has been renewed, it won’t cast aside the atmosphere of sportsmanship that embodied the old Kemper Arena. In addition to regional tournaments, the arena will also host recreational sports leagues under the popular KC Crew umbrella.

The building holds fond memories for many Kansas Citians, including those on the City Council. For Lucas, it was rooting on the Missouri Tigers in the Big 8 tournament. As for 5th District at-large Councilman Lee Barnes, the nostalgia revolves around his time as a ballboy for the Kansas City Kings.

“I was a ballboy when I was 10 years old; that was the first time I met Sam Lacey,” reflected Barnes. “You’re 10 years old and vertically challenged, and you’re walking in the locker room and these 6’10” and 6’11” guys are walking around. It’s interesting.”

Hy-Vee Arena is expected to open during the first week of October.