Kansas City, MO - The Missouri Department of Transportation District (MoDOT) Buck O’Neil Bridge Project Team, Massman Clarkson Joint Venture in partnership with Art in the Loop Foundation (AILF), announces the selection of Kansas City artist Phil “Sike Style” Shafer to create a mural on the new Buck O’Neil Bridge in downtown Kansas City, MO. The mural will be located on a retaining wall at the south end of the bridge at the intersection of Broadway Ave. and 3rd St.
Sike Style is known for his vibrant and dynamic murals that capture the spirit of the community, Sike Style will begin work this spring on a mural to honor the legacy of baseball legend Buck O’Neil.
A lifelong sports fan and Kansas Citian, Sike Style connection to Buck O’Neil runs deep. “Meeting Buck O’Neil at the K was a moment I’ll never forget,” said Shafer. “My father made sure we understood that Buck was more than a baseball legend—he was a gentleman, a leader, and a bridge for our community. It’s an honor to celebrate his legacy and contribute to Kansas City’s public art landscape.”
Renamed in 2016, the John Jordan “Buck” O’Neil Memorial Bridge (Buck O’Neil Bridge), carries U.S. Highway 169 over the Missouri River and serves as a key regional connection between downtown Kansas City and communities north of the river.
MoDOT and Negro Leagues Baseball Museum had the opportunity to collaborate throughout the process of the naming, groundbreaking, and opening of the Buck O’Neil Bridge.
“Buck O’Neil embodied the heart and soul of Kansas City. While his legacy plays on at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, projects like his new bridge and now this exciting artistic tribute, makes a generational connection that is tremendously important in our ongoing efforts to ensure that he will never be forgotten,” said Negro Leagues Baseball Museum President, Bob Kendrick.
The artist selection process was led by Art in the Loop and began in the Spring 2024. As part of the selection process, a panel of artists, curators, and community members reviewed proposals from twenty-three local artists and selected four finalists to present their concepts.
Sike Style was selected for his ability to blend historical significance with modern vibrancy. For more on the artist, visit www.sikestyle.com
“The Art in the Loop Foundation is proud to facilitate a process that elevates the voices of local artists and reflects the creativity and diversity of Kansas City,” said Ann Holliday, Executive Director of AILF. “This mural will not only beautify the new Buck O’Neil Bridge but also serve as a powerful symbol of unity and progress.”
The new Buck O’Neil Bridge was opened in late 2024. The new bridge is anticipated to last for 100 years or more and will require much less costly maintenance. It will provide direct connections from Interstate 35 to U.S. Highway 169, dedicated lanes to downtown Kansas City, a new bike/pedestrian lane, access improvements at the downtown airport, and a scenic overlook with benches.
“The completion of the bridge provides better connectivity to the entire region, as well as commuters and others driving on the city streets,” said James Pflum, MoDOT project director. “The unique opportunity to add a mural highlighting the legacy of Buck O’Neil and the community is a representation of the connection of transportation and art in real life, both designed to add to the betterment of those who use and see it every day.
About the Missouri Department of Transportation
For more information about the Buck O’Neil Bridge Project, visit Buck O'Neil Bridge Design-Build Project | Missouri Department of Transportation.
For more information about MoDOT news, projects or events, please visit our website at www.modot.org/kansascity. For instant updates, follow MoDOT_KC on X, or share posts and comments on our Facebook at www.facebook.com/MoDOT.KansasCity/. MoDOT Kansas City maintains more than 7,000 miles of state roadway in nine counties. Sign up online for workzone updates or call 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636).
About Art in the Loop Foundation
The Art in the Loop Foundation (AILF) is dedicated to enriching the cultural fabric of Downtown Kansas City by commissioning and celebrating contemporary public art. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, AILF fosters an inclusive and equitable art community that highlights the talent and diversity of local artists. For more information, visit www.artintheloop.com.
About the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum
The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM) is the world’s only museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich history of African American baseball and its impact on the social advancement of America. The privately funded, 501 c3, not-for-profit organization was established in 1990 and is in the heart of Kansas City, Missouri’s Historic 18th & Vine Jazz District. The NLBM operates two blocks from the Paseo YMCA where Andrew “Rube” Foster established the Negro National League in 1920. To learn more about the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, please visit nlbm.com.
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