KC Reporter

The closure of the Auditorium Plaza Garage at Barney Allis Plaza in Kansas City has been announced, with the garage set to shut down on April 15. The decision to close the garage is due to its inability to function properly and the necessity to undergo an environmental abatement process before demolition. Repairing the garage would require an estimated $30 million, with only a 10-year extension of its lifespan.

According to the announcement, visitors to the Kansas City Convention Center, Kansas City Music Hall, or Municipal Auditorium in the vicinity of Barney Allis Plaza should be aware of the closure, which is expected to last until 2026. The Auditorium Plaza Garage, constructed in 1954 and last renovated in 1984, primarily served as parking for the Convention Center.

In response to the closure, various alternative parking options have been highlighted for visitors. The Downtown Kansas City area offers around 40,000 parking spaces, with multiple nearby garages available. Signage will be placed at the closed garage directing visitors to BarneyAllis.org, where a list of nearby parking lots can be easily accessed.

Among the nearby parking options listed on the website are the Arts District Garage, Cathedral Square Garage, 1020 Wyandotte Garage, Power & Light District Garage, 1210 Broadway Surface Lot, Block 89 Garage, Town Pavilion / Arvest Parking Garage, and Union Station. Additionally, reserved parking is offered by the City of Kansas City at municipal garages and along the streetcar route.

The closure of the Auditorium Plaza Garage will also impact event attendees, with the Kansas City Convention Center working with event organizers to communicate the change. Ticketholders are advised to plan ahead and reserve parking through the provided channels to ensure a smooth transition.

For those opting for alternate transit options, rideshare services and public transportation are recommended. The IRIS rideshare service, KC Streetcar, and Ride KC Flex app are highlighted as convenient ways to navigate the city without relying on personal vehicles.

As the closure of the Auditorium Plaza Garage approaches, visitors and residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the available parking alternatives and transit options to minimize disruptions during their time in downtown Kansas City.