March 19, 2026

Momentum KC redefines luxury on the Country Club Plaza with a polished and posh semi-private experience.

Words
Matt Smithmier
@mattsmithmier

Photos
Daniel Kelleghan
@dkelleghan

Design
DLR Group
@dlr_group

hen the bathrooms are one of the first highlights of your tour, you know someone has truly prioritized “refined elegance” in the design process.

“It’s the weirdest thing to show the bathrooms every time, but they’re definitely a masterpiece in design.”

T.J. McLaughlin is the general manager of Momentum KC, a new private club and rooftop bar in the Cascade Hotel on the Country Club Plaza—and he shows off each section of the 2,800-square-foot marble and velvet-covered lounge with a true sense of pride.

“It’s a space unlike anything in Kansas City,” he says. “There’s a handful of cool-looking spaces out there but none that really offer the experience like this.”

Valentina Castellon, principal and hospitality interior design leader for DLR Group, was one of three lead designers on the project. She says the design was not only about luxury and decadence but also one of “elevation,” reflected throughout the space in various bird-related elements, including a private area separated by a brass “bird cage” screen.

“The overall vibe definitely celebrates this idea of being above the clouds,” she says. “The concept of ‘momentum’ is this idea of taking flight, how a bird gains momentum and moves through the sky.”

Momentum KC’s spacious terrace offers sweeping views of the Country Club Plaza from its perch at the top of the Cascade Hotel.

Velvet seating and rich wood set the vibe, while aviary-themed elements evoke a feeling of flight throughout the space.

The club includes special ceiling speakers that create an acoustic sound curtain, designed and installed by Simplicity KC, allowing private conversations within the same lounge.

Immersive greens combine with soft lighting and ambient music to achieve a “welcoming environment that’s exclusive and discerning,” says T.J. McLaughlin, general manager.

Members can relax with a custom cocktail at Momentum’s intimate bar or enjoy a pour from their own bottle stored in a private locker.

With just about everybody I’ve spoken to, it’s always like, ‘Man, Kansas City’s been missing this.’ – General Manager T.J. McLaughlin

Of course, the sky is very close by, just through the glass doors to Momentum’s spacious yet cozy terrace offering an expansive view of the Plaza, a three-sided fireplace and comfortable seating. And the terrace is just one distinct area in Momentum, which was designed to provide members a choice of intimate spaces.

“If you’re out on the terrace, it has a certain vibe, but you can also sit in the back corner,” Castellon notes. “You’re surrounded by velvet drapery, so it’s a completely different vibe, depending on where you’re sitting. Even the bar has a beautiful glow.”

In addition to the decadent design details, the panoramic Plaza views, and the craft cocktails, the defining feature of Momentum has to be its unique exclusivity.

“It’s definitely designed for somebody who wants to have a place to escape—a safe space, and one that doesn’t feel like everyone has access to,” Castellon says.

Complete with private key-card elevator access, Momentum boasts a level of personalized customer service reminiscent of the country’s top private clubs.

“Somebody’s going to greet you when you walk in. We’re going to know where you like to sit. We’re going to know what your favorite drink is,” McLaughlin notes. “We’re going to allow you to walk into the space and not have to think about anything other than getting comfortable and enjoying your company.”

Opening last November, Momentum is still developing its food menu, but it already offers private liquor lockers and regularly hosts special events for members. It all adds up to a welcome addition to the city, McLaughlin says.

“I think the appetite is big,” he adds. “And with just about everybody I’ve spoken to, it’s always like, ‘Man, Kansas City’s been missing this.’”