Search Results: origin story
Three Light Incentives Gain Qualified Support from Advisory Board
By Kevin Collison The planned Three Light luxury apartment project got a rough reception from an advisory board reviewing its proposed incentives Wednesday, echoing criticism the deal endured from the Kansas City Council two months ago. Members of the Chapter 353 board narrowly endorsed tax incentives for the 300-unit project planned by the Cordish Co….
Yoli Tortilleria is Making Scratch Tortillas in the East Bottoms
This is a love story….about tortillas. Marissa, left, and Mark Gencarelli are a husband-and-wife duo making corn tortillas in the East Bottoms. Mark grew up in the Kansas City area, his father started Movies at Home (a company poster hangs behind them). Marissa is originally from Sonora, Mexico, where her family ran a meat company (see the…
Building Housing Crossroad’s Favorites YJ’s, Birdies Sold
By Kevin Collison The red-brick building at the corner of the Crossroad Arts District‘s funkiest retail scene has been sold, leaving unclear the future of its creative collection of tenants including Birdies. But for artist David Ford, whose run YJ’s Snack Bar for 20 years, the sale means good-bye to the whimsical, bohemian Crossroad scene…
Major Redevelopment Plan Includes Historic KC Club, Muehlebach Hotel Buildings
By Kevin Collison A $114 million redevelopment proposal in the heart of downtown that includes renovating the historic former Kansas City Club and Hotel Muehlebach buildings, and erecting a new office and garage project is coming before a city development agency. Platform Ventures is proposing the redevelopment plan, which would involve much of the city…
Kansas City Jazz Swings Across Downtown
By Kim Mueller Lonnie McFadden stood smiling beside the piano inspecting his trumpet before beginning his regular gig at The Phoenix where he entertains the Friday night crowd by playing his horn, tap dancing on the bar or singing a variety of songs. “What you have here is a music venue,” McFadden said before beginning…
Fall Completion Expected for $65M Traders Apartment Redevelopment
By Kevin Collison A $65 million redevelopment of the historic Traders National Bank Building at 1125 Grand into 201 apartments is expected to be completed this fall. Sunflower Development Group and Block Real Estate Services are co-developers. Their project is transforming the 21-story building into a mix of studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments capped by…
Landmark Western Auto Sign to Dazzle Downtown Skyline Again
(Updated June 25) The landmark Western Auto sign is scheduled to light up the skyline again on again July 13, according to a release today from building’s homeowner’s association and Copaken Brooks. If you’re looking for a souvenir, the old light bulbs from the sign will be available for purchase on July 9. For more…
Restored Savoy Grill is Centerpiece of New 21c Museum Hotel
By Kevin Collison First off, breathe easy Kansas City history buffs. The inner sanctum of the Savoy Grill, that 1903 time-capsule of dark oak woodwork, terrazzo floor, Old West murals and Harry Truman’s “Booth No. 4,” returns when the $47.5 million renovation of the Savoy Hotel is completed this summer. Yes, the adjoining dining room—a…
Historic West Bottoms on Stage This Week
By Kim Mueller Put on your hiking shoes, and rediscover the West Bottoms as city leaders celebrate its past and envision its future in several walking, biking, boating and busing tours beginning Thursday. Kansas City Historic Preservation Officer and Editor Brad Wolfe will lead a tour of the West Bottoms Tuesday, May 1, including several…
J. Rieger Pursuing Ambitious ‘Electric Park’ Project in East Bottoms
By Kevin Collison The co-founder of Jacob Rieger & Co. distillery is pursuing a visionary concept to renovate the historic Heim Brewery Building in the East Bottoms as a catalyst to re-energize the old Electric Park area. The $11.3 million redevelopment proposal being pursued by Andy Rieger tentatively calls for the brick building at 507…