Developers Selected for Negro Leagues District Expansion

Russell Construction and Vazquez Grayson will lead development on the museum and hotel project in Kansas City.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Baseball

Developers Selected for Negro Leagues District Expansion

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Development partners have been named to lead a major expansion in Kansas City's Historic 18th & Vine District. The project features a new 35,000-square-foot Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and the 144-room Pennant Hotel.

Why it matters

The venture aims to honor the vision of museum founder Buck O'Neil while stimulating economic growth across the 18th & Vine corridor. By bringing global attention to the Negro Leagues, the project seeks to establish a new cultural landmark.

The new facility spans 35,000 square feet, while The Pennant Hotel will accommodate guests across 144 rooms. The hotel will operate as part of the Marriott Tribute Portfolio.

The players

Reggie Jackson

A legendary professional baseball player who began his career in Kansas City and now serves as an equity partner for The Pennant Hotel.

Buck O'Neil

The late founder of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum who envisioned a global platform for preserving and sharing the history of the league.

Russell Construction

A construction firm selected to co-lead the development of the new district facilities in the 18th & Vine area.

Vazquez Grayson

A joint venture between Vazquez Commercial Contracting and Grayson Construction that will manage the project development.

The details

Russell Construction and the joint venture Vazquez Grayson will spearhead the construction, which prioritizes local Kansas City subcontractors. Equity partner Reggie Jackson serves as a cultural ambassador for the new hotel project.

1967: Reggie Jackson started his professional career playing for the Kansas City Athletics.
September 21, 2026: The construction team was officially announced for the 18th & Vine expansion.

Season Trajectory

This project anchors the 18th & Vine District as a permanent cultural destination within the sports tourism landscape. It extends the reach of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum by integrating modern hospitality with historical education.

Local Kansas City residents and subcontractors can expect direct economic opportunities through the prioritization of local hiring for the construction phases. The project adds a major hospitality hub to the 18th & Vine area, impacting future tourism traffic and local business demand.

The takeaway

This development marks a significant investment in both urban revitalization and the preservation of baseball history. It serves as a reminder that local historical sites often act as catalysts for major regional economic and infrastructure growth.