East Crossroads Corner Being Rebuilt, Deli and Bar Planned

By Kevin Collison

A building that collapsed at the corner of 18th and Locust in the East Crossroads in October 2018 is being replaced with a new structure that is expected to house a bar and delicatessen.

It’s being built by Matt Abbott, a developer and entrepreneur with extensive property holdings in the Crossroads.

Abbott also is using the opportunity to spruce up the other part of the commercial building along East 18th Street that remained intact.

“We’re redoing the corner and doing some light upgrades to the rest of it, keeping the same layout and uses,” he said.

Abbott said he’s in discussions with a potential tenant who wants to open a bar and deli at the new building going up at the northeast corner of 18th and Locust. If plans move forward, the business could open this fall.

The corner building collapsed in October 2018 following a rain storm. (Photo by Eric Baines)

As for how the corner structure collapsed, Abbott said it was an unfortunate combination of bad weather and some utility work that was occurring on Locust Street.

“We bought the property just prior to the collapse,” he said. “What happened was there was a trench being dug across Locust Street.

“It had been dug up for one day and there was a terrible storm with a massive downpour. The trench funneled water down Locust Street and undermined the foundation.”

There were no injuries from the accident.

While the East Crossroads is relatively quiet now because of the closings prompted by the Covid-19 pandemic, 18th and Locust is an attractive corner because of its proximity to several microbreweries as well as Grinders and The Parlor.

It’s also not far from where the new 341-unit Artistry KC apartment complex is going up at 19th and Locust.

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