The Aloft Hotel Ribbon Cutting took place on September 24th 2009 in front of a crowd including Mayor Peggy Dunn, Leawood City Council members, Leawood Chamber members, reporters, friends of Aloft and Park Place, and twelve-time pro-bowler and Chiefs offensive lineman Will Shields.  The Ribbon Cutting marked the opening of Leawood's first hotel, which Leawood Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kevin Jeffries excitedly spoke about in his speech:

"While I may be a bit biased, it's now official.  Leawood Has become THE premier shopping, dining, and entertainment destination in Johnson County. 

On behalf of the Leawood Chamber of Commerce, congratulations to our friends at Aloft Leawood for bringing this great, new addition to our community. 

The opening of this exciting and trendy hotel gives Leawood a destination location for the business traveler and regional vacationer.  Equally as important, Leawood residents now have a great place for their out of town guests to stay that is at the heart of this thriving community. 

The developers of Park Place, the City officials, and the investors that had the vision to put this project together are to be congratulated for bringing this outstanding community asset to Leawood."