CitySceneKC
Chances Social Completes STRETCH’s Entertainment District
By Kevin Collison Chances Social opens Sunday at 419 E. 18th St., and owner STRETCH views his new coffee shop and bar as the last ingredient in the homegrown, East Crossroads entertainment district he started 15 years ago with Grinders. “Grinders is known as a dive bar with good cocktails,” he said. “This will be…
New Westport Master Plan Calls for Shorter Buildings, Wider Sidewalks
By Kevin Collison A new master plan intended to guide the future development of Westport over the next 20 years proposes height restrictions along its primary streets, wider sidewalks and potential historic designations for nearby neighborhoods. The Westport District Master Plan is in response to concerns two years ago over two large apartment proposals and…
Liberty Memorial and World War I Museum Salute Memorial Day
Downtown Kansas City is the place to commemorate Memorial Day activities this weekend with the World War I Museum offering half price admission and the KC Symphony performing its annual outdoor concert at Union Station Sunday. “During Memorial Day weekend, it’s important for people to spend time recognizing and honoring those who made the ultimate…
Mildred’s Original Downtown Spot Shifts to More Visible Quarters
By Kevin Collison Most people associate Mildred’s, the popular cafe and coffee shop, with the Crossroads Arts District. But did you know there’s another Mildred’s in downtown, one that predates the Crossroads location at 19th and Wyandotte by almost a decade? That’s why Mildred’s is relocating from the lobby of the Ten Main Center building…
$95M Crossroads Apartment Proposal Clears First Hurdle, Challenges Remain
Updated June 28: The Kansas City Council approved the TIF amendment that will allow tax incentives to help build the project’s garage at its meeting Thursday. Renderings of the Track 215 project also were furnished by staff. The next step is seeking a property tax abatement from Port KC) By Kevin Collison Backers of a…
Ambitious Plan to Revive Historic Troost Business District Proposed
By Kevin Collison A stretch of buildings in the heart of the historic Troost commercial district would be transformed into offices, retail space and a museum under a plan being pursued by development group that includes civic leader E. Frank Ellis. Ellis, past chairman and founder of Swope Community Enterprises, along with Tim Bowman of…
Midland Project Wins Incentive Approval, Work Starts Early 2020
By Kevin Collison Work is expected to begin early next year on redeveloping the historic Midland office building into 117 affordable apartments following approval of tax incentives Thursday. The Planned Industrial Expansion Authority approved a 25-year property tax abatement to help finance the $24.3 million renovation plan for what’s called The Saxon at The Midland…
Streetcar Grille & Tavern Opening at 16th and Main This Summer
By Kevin Collison Kurt Oliver believes his new Streetcar Grille & Tavern expected to open this July at 16th and Main will have more than straphangers delivered to his door. “That corner has curb appeal,” he said. “We’re across from the northbound streetcar stop, a couple blocks from the Kauffman Center, close to hotels and…
PT’s Coffee Opening Second Downtown Shop
By Kevin Collison PT’s Coffee is opening a second downtown outlet on the street level of the Power & Light Apartments next month, the first commercial tenant in the development’s retail space along Baltimore Avenue. The Topeka-based coffee house enterprise opened its first downtown outlet several years ago when it moved into the former Coffee…
New KC Streetcar Rolls Into Town, Ridership Breaks 6 Million
By Kevin Collison The Kansas City Streetcar Authority got a belated present for its third birthday Monday morning, a shiny new vehicle fresh from Spain to add to its existing fleet of four. The new streetcar, dubbed #805, arrived at Third and Grand by flatbed truck after leaving port near Houston Friday morning. It was…