Kansas City hired a joint venture between JE Dunn Construction and Clarkson Construction Co. to build the $217.2 million Roy Blunt Luminary Park, formally known as South Loop Park over Interstate 670.
The city opened bids Tuesday, 19 Nov, revealing that the JE Dunn-Clarkson team submitted the strongest proposal for construction management and general construction services. The joint venture outscored a competing bid from Kiewit Corp., based on technical approaches, preconstruction pricing, and construction percentage fees.
The South Loop Park project team has begun pre-construction services, which will help integrate infrastructure improvements directly into the park’s design and keep the project on schedule. Team members are actively refining budgets, finalizing design details, and establishing precise timelines to ensure the park and infrastructure upgrades complete on time. Construction will commence in early 2025.
In phase one, JE Dunn and Clarkson will collaborate with design firm HNTB Corp. to finalize crucial project elements, including maximum price guarantees, cost-saving opportunities, and construction timelines.
Phase 2
The city retains sole authority to contract with the joint venture for phase two, which covers general construction of the park’s tunnel and amenities.
The companies released a joint statement Thursday, 21 Nov highlighting their deep roots in the area. “The South Loop Park will stand near both our headquarters in a corridor where we’ve completed projects for decades. This project showcases the best of a hometown team coming together to contribute to a vibrant and thriving Kansas City,” they stated.
Billy Clarkson, president and sixth-generation owner of Clarkson, emphasized the project’s significance: “This project offers our local team a rare opportunity to create a lasting space that will unite our community. We’re privileged to partner with JE Dunn on building a landmark that will serve as a hub for connection, collaboration and celebration in Kansas City’s heart.”
Tim Dunn, chairman and chief investment officer of JE Dunn, added: “This transformative community project will reshape downtown Kansas City by introducing natural green infrastructure to our city’s core. The park will benefit visitors and residents economically and enhance quality of life for generations.”
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Soil testing
City crews began soil testing in late October along the future 5.5-acre park site between Wyandotte Street and Grand Boulevard. The project team will present advanced design details at a fourth public meeting in early 2025, fulfilling environmental review requirements. The Federal Highway Administration expects to complete this review by February’s end.
Construction could begin in the first quarter of 2025, according to Mario Vasquez, assistant city manager and city planning director, who spoke at a recent CREW KC event reported by MetroWire Media. He indicated I-670 might close during summer, with tunnel completion targeted for 2027. All construction in public areas must pause by May 1, 2026, before the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Funding for the Roy Blunt Luminary Park Project
The initiative has received funding of $109 million, from sources such as the community and private entities by the start of August this year. Agreement, from the City Council has been obtained to seek a line of credit amounting to $65 million through the Build America Bureau with the condition of setting up a repayment schedule in place.
MoDOT’s Cost Share Program provided a major funding boost to the South Loop Project, supporting essential state highway and bridge projects. On December 4, 2024, the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission approved a $31.4 million investment in the project, which matches the City of Kansas City’s earlier $31.4 million contribution.
The funding will enable the replacement of aging infrastructure along Interstate 670 (I-670) in downtown Kansas City’s core. This includes critical upgrades to retaining walls, drainage structures, pavement, and the Walnut Street Bridge. These improvements will not only support the construction of the South Loop Park but also significantly enhance the transportation system in this vital downtown corridor.
Kansas City’s ambitious plan to build a park over a downtown stretch of interstate now has an official name. On Friday, officials unveiled that the project—previously referred to as the South Loop Project—will be known as Roy Blunt Luminary Park. The name honors former U.S. Senator Roy Blunt, who represented Missouri from 2011 to 2023 and played a key role in securing nearly $30 million in federal funding to help bring the project to life.
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Roy Blunt Luminary Park Project Factsheet
Project Overview
Project Name: South Loop Park
Location: Above Interstate 670, Kansas City
Size: 5.5 acres
Span: Between Wyandotte Street and Grand Boulevard
Total Budget: $217.2 million
Key Stakeholders
Construction Management: JE Dunn Construction & Clarkson Construction Co. (Joint Venture)
Design Firm: HNTB Corp.
Project Phases
Phase 1: Construction Management
Finalization of design details
Development of guaranteed maximum price
Creation of construction schedule
Identification of cost-saving opportunities
Phase 2: General Construction
Tunnel construction
Park amenities installation
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South Loop Park Project Timeline
Soil Testing: Initiated October 2024
Environmental Review Completion: Expected February 2025
Public Meeting: Early 2025
Construction Start: Q1 2025
I-670 Closure: Summer 2025
Construction Pause: May 1, 2026 (FIFA World Cup preparation)
Tunnel Completion: 2027
Funding Sources
Current Funding: $109.7 million
Local sources
State funding
Federal grants
Private contributions
Additional Financing
$65 million line of credit
Source: Federal Build America Bureau
Status: Approved for pursuit
Condition: City must approve repayment plan
