CitySceneKC
Oracle Pulls Former Cerner Health Conference from KC, Big Convention Loss
By Kevin Collison Oracle is moving the former Cerner Health Conference from Kansas City to Las Vegas next year, a more than $18 million blow to the local convention and hotel industry. In an internal notice to employees obtained by CityScene KC, Oracle said the event would be held at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas…
Royals’ First Hearing on Downtown Ballpark: ‘Our Conclusion is Clear’
By Kevin Collison The Royals believe a new downtown ballpark is the best move for the team’s future, telling the audience at their first “listening tour” event it would cost less than rebuilding The K and bring much more economic benefit to the community. “For the Royals, our conclusion is clear,” said team owner John…
Carnival Loft Project to Begin Construction This Spring
By Kevin Collison The renovation of the historic Carnival building at 802 Broadway into 39 loft apartments is expected to begin in late March after the project was approved for tax incentives Monday by a city development agency. The developer, Exact 802 LLC was approved for 75 percent, 10-year property tax reduction by the Land…
Cathedral Proceeding with New Parish Center at 11th and Broadway
By Kevin Collison The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception held a ground breaking ceremony last week for its new parish center at 11th and Broadway, part of its “Building Glory” redevelopment plan that’s also relocating its homeless breakfast ministry. Bishop James V. Johnston, Jr., leader of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, participated in the…
Gerard’s at The Belfry Breaks its First Rack in Crossroads
By Kevin Collison Gerard’s at The Belfry is opening today in the Crossroads and chef Celina Tio believes combining billiards with fine food and cocktails will be a winning bank shot. “There’s not a lot of places you can see this quality of food and cocktails and play pool,” she said. “More importantly, it has…
KC Hooley House Takes Former Dubliner Space in P&L District
By Kevin Collison KC Hooley House, an Irish-themed bar and restaurant, is rising from the ashes of the former Dubliner at the Power & Light District and plans to open in February, hopefully in time to celebrate a Chief’s Super Bowl win. The Hooley will take over the 9,800 square-foot space vacated by The Dubliner…
Mac’s Apartment Plan at Streetcar Stop Endorsed Over Neighborhood Objections
By Kevin Collison In what could be a significant policy decision for future development along the expanded streetcar line, City Hall’s desire to promote greater residential density overruled neighborhood objections over parking Tuesday. The City Plan Commission unanimously endorsed a 318-unit development plan being pursued by Chicago-based Mac Properties at Main and Armour. It would…
Rockhurst University Building ‘Alvin Brooks Center for Faith-Justice’
Rockhurst University is renovating its former community center at 5401 Troost to become the Alvin Brooks Center for Faith-Justice, fulfilling a commitment made to the long-time civil rights leader by the school’s former president. The project was announced a year ago by Rockhurst President Emeritus the Rev. Thomas B. Curran, S.J., when he received the…
Civic Leaders Pursue Plan to Safeguard Plaza for Another Century
By Kevin Collison The Country Club Plaza is celebrating its centennial next year and top civic leaders are laying plans to assure the venerable but somewhat frayed landmark enjoys a vibrant second 100 years. “This isn’t about a sentimental journey to restore the past, but an interest in moving forward to an exciting future, said…
Jazz Hill Affordable Housing Plan Moves Forward on The Paseo
(Editor’s note: The full City Council approved funding for the redevelopment plan.) By Kevin Collison Construction is expected to begin soon on a $33.8 million Jazz Hill project that will renovate 11 historic but derelict apartment buildings on The Paseo near downtown into 197 affordable apartments. An additional $150,000 for the project was endorsed Wednesday…