CitySceneKC
West Bottoms Flats Starting Soon, First Major Renovation Project in Historic Warehouse District
By Kevin Collison Construction is expected to begin soon on the $68 million West Bottoms Flats apartment development, the first major renovation project in the downtown warehouse district that fueled Kansas City’s economic growth in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries. MCM Company plans to renovate three historic buildings on the north side of…
Historic Norman School Reopens as 61-Unit Apartment Development
By Kevin Collison The historic Norman School, a prominent stone landmark that overlooks Southwest Trafficway as it approaches downtown, has reopened as a 61-unit apartment project following a $14 million renovation. The school started as a two-room wood building in 1901 and was named after the school board president at the time, Joseph Norman. In…
New 21c Museum Hotel Kansas City Wraps Hospitality Around Art
(Updated July 31: AccorHotels, a French firm, has acquired 21cMuseum Hotels, paying $51 million to purchase 85 percent of the firm. 21c founders Laura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson will retain a 15 percent ownership share. AccorHotels owns 4,000 hotels throughout the world making it the largest hotel group outside the United States.) By Kevin…
Local Pig Relocating to City Market, Taking Former Winslow BBQ Space
The Local Pig & Pigwich is leaving the East Bottoms for the former Winslow BBQ space at 20 E. Fifth St. in the City Market with an opening expected in mid-October. After six years at 2618 Guinotte Ave., co-owners Alex Pope and Matt Kafka began exploring ways to expand Pigwich, a stationary food truck adjacent…
Endangered Wheatley-Provident Hospital Saved; Historic Black Institution Being Redeveloped
By Kevin Collison The long-vacant Wheatley-Provident Hospital, an important landmark in the Kansas City African-American community, has been purchased by a development group with plans to renovate it as offices. The deteriorating building at 1826 Forest was the only hospital operated and staffed by black doctors and nurses at a time when healthcare services were…
The Star Turns Lights Out after More Than a Century at 1729 Grand
By Kevin Collison More than a century of newspaper history ends today when The Kansas City Star staff moves from its historic quarters at 1729 Grand into new space in the Press Pavilion across McGee Street. The Star’s local management, as has been the case since the real estate transaction was first publicized in March 2017,…
Bird Arrives Downtown, ‘Lil Lectric’ Scooters Not Without Controversy
By Kevin Collison The Bird quietly scooted into downtown Kansas City Wednesday, a new smartphone-based personal transportation method that like its predecessors Lyft and Uber, is not without controversy elsewhere. The dock-free electric scooters, which are rented using a smartphone app, are billed as an ideal way for people to roll that last few blocks…
Savoy Bar and Restaurant Reopens Blending Old and New
By Kevin Collison One of downtown Kansas City’s best-known landmarks, the Savoy Grill, reopened last week with the historic furnishings of the original bar intact and a contemporary makeover to the adjoining dining room. “It was a design challenge, taking a beloved space and updating it for contemporary use,” said Molly Swyers, chief brand officer…
Folk Alliance Relocating to Crossroads Arts District
By Kevin Collison The Folk Alliance International is relocating its offices from the River Market to the new Crossroads Westside apartment development and opening a small performance space there as well. The nonprofit, which moved its headquarters here from Memphis in 2013, was offered space in Crossroads Westside in a special deal to fulfill a pledge…
Sponsored Post: Financial Success Secrets for New Grads
The following article was produced and paid for by Commerce Bank: College is done. The diploma is on your wall. And you’re looking forward to all the fresh opportunities ahead. But along with that heady sense of freedom comes new financial responsibilities. Keeping up with an increased number of monthly expenses, trying to balance spending…