CitySceneKC
Summit to Examine Missing Ingredient in Downtown Kansas City’s Revival: Private Sector Jobs
By Kevin Collison Downtown Kansas City has experienced a strong rebound over the past 15 years with thousands of new residents and scores more entertainment venues, restaurants and bars. What’s been missing in its renaissance are businesses willing to locate their offices and employees there. This Wednesday, the Downtown Council is hosting a Downtown KC…
Atlas Apartment Project Revives Historic Berlau Paper Co. Building in Crossroads
By Kevin Collison It had been a long time since Boulevard Brewing President Jeff Krum restored his last building, but he couldn’t resist the Romanesque Revival charms of the 115-year-old former Berlau Paper Co. building at 1509 Walnut St. “It’s an incredibly handsome building,” he said, “and one of the few of that quality and…
Civic Leader Warren Erdman Speaks Out on UMKC Downtown Conservatory Funding Veto: ‘I Played Every Card We Had’
By Kevin Collison Warren Erdman, the leader of the local effort to obtain state money for the proposed UMKC Downtown Conservatory, warned today that any alternative funding plan in response to the Gov. Greitens’ veto last week should not place a “severe” strain on UMKC. “The governor decided not to go in that direction, and…
Sweeping River Market Redevelopment Plan Calls for New City Garage, and Additional Private Apartments and Retail
By Kevin Collison City officials are working with a private developer to make the River Market an even more urban, mixed-use area by replacing three parking lots with a 400-space garage, and two apartment projects totaling more than 160 units. The plan is part of a comprehensive redevelopment strategy that includes introducing paid parking in…
Strange Days Brewing Adding Even More International Flavor to River Market
It’s getting to be a crowded microbrewery field in downtown Kansas City, but Nathan Howard believes his worldly approach to creating new beer flavors will make his new River Market venture, Strange Days, a refreshing retreat from today’s domestic blues. “(Strange Days) is a homage to the world we’re living in,” Howard said. “For us,…
Howard’s Adding Groceries and Homegrown Produce to Its Crossroads Menu
By Kevin Collison Howard’s has gained a tasty reputation for its healthy cafe menu since opening in the Crossroads in September 2015, and now is expanding to become a downtown neighborhood source for groceries and homegrown produce too. Craig Howard opened his all-things-food place at 1708 Oak St. after the building housing his previous grocery…
Casual Animal Brewing Plans to Join Growing Kansas City Crossroads ‘Neigh-brew-hood’ By End of This Year
By Kevin Collison Kyle Gray and his wife Lara are joining the microbrewery herd in the East Crossroads later this year with Casual Animal Brewing at 1725 McGee St. “We’re pretty excited about what’s developing down there,” Gray said, “and we’re happy to join the revolution and revitalization that’s underway.” The couple are opening in…
Kansas City Streetcar Authority Receives Go Ahead to Order Two New Cars
The Kansas City Streetcar Authority has received the final go ahead to order two additional streetcars that are expected to be delivered in summer 2019. The decision to purchase two more streetcars at a cost of $4.9 million each was endorsed by the Kansas City Council Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Thursday. It comes at a…
Port KC Kicks Off New Marketing Effort for Downtown Kansas City Riverfront
By Kevin Collison The Port Authority of Kansas City is making a renewed effort to promote development on the downtown riverfront, seeking to capitalize on a new 410-unit apartment project going up by Berkley Park and a potential extension of the streetcar to the area. The authority, which refers to itself as Port KC, held…
UMKC to Seek Alternative Funding for Downtown Kansas City Conservatory; Gov. Greitens Vetoes Legislation for Matching State Money
Despite overwhelming support from the Missouri Legislature, Gov. Eric Greitens has vetoed state funding for the proposed $96 million Downtown UMKC Conservatory project. “Today, Governor Eric Greitens vetoed a bill that would have asked Missouri taxpayers to pay for a new building for dancers and art students in Kansas City,” according to a statement released…