CitySceneKC
Ziplines, Aerial Park Envisioned for Hy-Vee Arena ‘Space Frame’
By Kevin Collison When Helmut Jahn designed the unique, external framework supporting the roof at the former Kemper Arena 50 years ago, it’s doubtful he imagined it hosting an aerial park someday. But that’s just what Brad McDonald has in mind for the renowned German architect’s “space frame” at what’s now the Hy-Vee Arena. “We…
Mac Endorsed for Tax Breaks for Main and Armour Apartment Project
By Kevin Collison Mac Properties was endorsed for tax incentives for its 300-unit apartment development at Main and Armour by the RideKC Development board Wednesday. The agency is an arm of the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority and has become a major player providing incentives for projects that meet its description of what’s called transit-oriented…
Rave Reviews for New KC Airport ‘Art’ Terminal at Dry Run
(Editor’s note: CityScene generally doesn’t go as far north as KCI, but when your scribe was picked to be a pretend passenger and fly Delta to Tuscaloosa, it was a great opportunity to spread its coverage wings a bit.) By Kevin Collison If the old Kansas City airport terminal was about catering to the drive-in…
Union Station Named Among ‘Most Beautiful Train Stations’ in the World
(Editor’s note: This article originally was published Aug. 9, 2022. The Chiefs’ Super Bowl Parade will culminate with a rally in front of Union Station Wednesday) By Kevin Collison Union Station, whose $234 million restoration a quarter century ago was a metropolitan labor of love, has been named one of the 37 most beautiful train…
Late Summer Start for Big Apartment Project at Trinity Lutheran Site
Construction is expected to begin in late summer on a $130 million apartment project at 31st and Main that will add 385 apartments along the new streetcar extension. NorthPoint Development is building the project which will not only raze the derelict former Trinity Lutheran Hospital, but resolve the ongoing problems at the partially-completed Park Reserve…
East-West Streetcar Could Cost $600M, Need New Funding Source
By Kevin Collison Kansas City has reached the end of the track when it comes to expanding its streetcar system unless it adopts a broader approach to local funding, according to a new study exploring a potential east-west route. It would cost $450- to $600 million to build a streetcar line from the KU Medical…
River Market Parking Woes Prompt Plan Commission to Oppose Apartment Tower
By Kevin Collison The proposed City Harvest apartment tower by the City Market, a City Hall priority for three years, stumbled over the ongoing challenge of parking in the area this week at the City Plan Commission. The Plan Commission voted 4-3 to recommend denial of the 300-unit project after hearing from River Market merchants…
After Years of Resolve, Backwater Bridge to Become Leisure Destination
By Kevin Collison Mike Zeller’s dogged pursuit of his vision to convert a rusty backwater bridge in the West Bottoms into a major entertainment destination is expected to launch next month. On March 5, a crew from L.G. Barcus & Sons Construction is scheduled to begin removing rails and ties from the 118 year-old Rock…
Redevelopment Site Near Potential Ballpark Listed in East Crossroads
By Kevin Collison A strategic property is for sale in the East Crossroads, a one-acre site at 18th and Holmes that would be well-located should the Royals get their wish to build their ballpark downtown. The former Kansas City Tent & Awning properties at 1813-31 Holmes have been listed by Cushman & Wakefield for an…
Big Apartment Project Being Considered at 14th and Wyandotte
By Kevin Collison A 300-unit apartment project is being pursued for an empty corner at 14th and Wyandotte across from the new Blue Cross building, according to a preliminary development plan filed with the city this week. The early submission, which doesn’t list a developer, calls for a “mixed-use development with on-site parking and ground…