May 25, 2023, marked the end of an eight-year battle to prevent the demolition of the Seventh Church of Christ, Scientist, a historic feature on the Country Club Plaza. Despite aggressive efforts by Historic Kansas City (HKC) since 2017, financial and legal constraints ultimately led to the decision to demolish the church.
Controversy began when the church congregation sought redevelopment proposals for the site. In response, HKC applied for local designation to protect the structure from demolition. The church's objection and subsequent lawsuit led to a settlement, forcing HKC to withdraw its application.
In 2019, RED Development withdrew its proposal after HKC secured the Plaza Bowl Overlay District along 47th Street. In 2020, the church sold the property to Drake Development, known for its association with the Jack Henry Building.
Drake Development's initial 2021 plan for Cocina 47, a three-story restaurant development with space for the church congregation, violated the Midtown Plaza Area Plan and Plaza Bowl Overlay District ordinance. HKC, alongside former Councilwoman Katheryn Shields and other stakeholders, emphasized adherence to these ordinances to preserve the Plaza's character.
After multiple proposals and negotiations, a settlement was reached in May 2023. This plan, refined within the Plaza Bowl Concept, was viewed as beneficial for the public and nearby stakeholders.
The Seventh Church of Christ, Scientist will soon be demolished and replaced with Cocina 47, a three-story culinary destination by Drake Development. Rendering credit: TR,i Architects
The new structure, Cocina 47, will house multiple fine-dining restaurants and provide space for the temporarily relocated church, now in the Jack Henry Building.
Drake president Matt Pennington announced that Cocina 47’s three levels will host multiple restaurants, with the first-floor space still available for lease. Interest in the project remains high despite the Plaza's pending sale to HP Village Partners LP of Dallas, which followed a default on $295.2 million in acquisition debt by the current owners.
Initially, Drake proposed a nine-story version of Cocina 47 in March 2022, featuring six full-floor condos above the restaurants. City planners unanimously rejected this plan for exceeding the height cap by 115 feet. Facing strong opposition from Block Real Estate Services LLC and HKC, Drake revised its proposal to a three-story plan, securing building height and parking agreements with Block and the Plaza's owners.
Last summer, the Port Authority of Kansas City approved a special taxing district and a 33-year fixed property tax schedule to support the $35 million Cocina 47 project. Pennington aims for the restaurants to open by the summer of 2026.
Aerial rendering of the proposed three-tier restaurant venue Cocina 47. Rendering credit: TR,i Architects
Asbestos remediation will begin next week, followed by demolition of the 82-year-old church within two to three weeks.
HKC remains committed to advocating for developments that adhere to the Midtown Plaza Area Plan and Plaza Bowl Overlay. By collaborating with developers on new projects and renovations, HKC strives to maintain the integrity and character of the Country Club Plaza.
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