Rock Island Bridge, located just west of Hy-Vee Arena on American Royal Dr in Kansas City, is an iconic bridge that is undergoing a major transformation to an entertainment hub and contributing to the city’s economic growth. This iconic railroad bridge has a rich history and will be a first-of-its-kind entertainment district spanning over a river. In this blog, we will delve deeper into the fascinating story of Rock Island Bridge and explore its relevance, impact, and future in Kansas City.
The Origin of Rock Island Bridge Kansas City
The Rock Island Bridge has its roots in the Rock Island Railroad, which recognized the need for a bridge crossing over the Kansas River to connect the west bottoms of Kansas City. It was built by American Bridge Company which was part of a merger between JP Morgan and Canegie Steel Company. Completed in 1905, the bridge served as a vital link for transporting cattle, hogs, and other livestock from the Kansas City Stockyards. Its strategic location made it an important crossing point, connecting the stockyards with various industries and markets across the United States. The Rock Island Bridge was a key contributor to the bustling livestock industry, enhancing Kansas City’s position as a livestock market hub.
Construction Update:
Mark your calendar for the summer 2024 grand opening. We recently went onsite and checked on the progress of the construction. Crews are busy performing repair work and turning this historic landmark into a must-see attraction that will span 40 feet over the Kansas River. By opening day, Rock Island Bridge will span the size of three football fields and will be America’s first trailhead and entertainment district on a bridge.
Rock Island Bridge Features and Attractions
Managed by Flying Truss LLC, the bridge will become an exciting venue for community events, live music performances, dining, coffee shops, and bars. Its unique location, overlooking the Kansas River, offers a picturesque setting for entertainment gatherings. The bridge’s adaptive reuse as an entertainment district has breathed new life into the area.
Here is a complete list of amenities that will be on the bridge.
- Two commercial kitchens serving an array of cuisines
- Three bars/coffee shops
- Lower deck event space
- 11 restrooms.
- Office and merchandising space
- A spacious walkway along the south side for pedestrians and dismounted bikers
- Open veranda seating overlooking the river and Kansas City
- Space for the local farmers’ markets and other nonprofits
- Docks for kayaking and paddle boarding
- Zipline Adventure
Hosting an Unforgettable Event at Rock Island Bridge
The bridge is now accepting pre-bookings for your private event starting in July of 2024. You can book private events on the top deck or main deck of the bridge that can hold up to 400 people. If you want to host the ultimate party, class reunion, or corporate event you can book the entire bridge! You can visit Venue Rental – Rock Island Bridge (rockislandkc.com) to pre-book your event.
Job Creation and Opportunities
The redevelopment of Rock Island Bridge has not only boosted the city’s economy but will also lead to the creation of numerous job opportunities. The transformation of the bridge into an entertainment district has opened doors for employment in event management, hospitality, servers, bartenders and more. This development also has fostered collaborations between artists, performers, and entrepreneurs. The bridge’s redevelopment will not only revitalize the area but will also provide opportunities for individuals to contribute their skills and talents to the city’s vibrant entertainment industry, further enriching Kansas City’s uniqueness as a favorite Midwest destination.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Rock Island Bridge in Kansas City is not just a historic piece of Kansas City’s history but will also be a thriving entertainment hub and a symbol of community effort. Its transformation into a unique entertainment district will bring about exciting features and attractions that will have a positive economic impact on Kansas City. The bridge’s reuse is also a proof-of-concept for how to save abandoned railroad bridges across America. It stands as a testament to the power of collaboration with the local Kansas City business community which all worked together to make this happen. Visit the Rock Island Bridge to learn more.
