CitySceneKC
Stalled Hyatt Hotel Project Revived with New Development Team
The long-stalled Hyatt House hotel project at Ninth and Broadway may have fresh life with its Colorado developer taking on two partners and asking for a transfer of its tax incentive package to the new team. Pedersen Development of Boulder is seeking approval of the new development arrangement from the Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority….
Regional Skate Park, Artworks, Could ‘Enhance’ New Buck O’Neil Bridge
(Editor’s note: This article originally was published Feb. 3, 2022) By Kevin Collison Creating a regional skate park beneath the approach ramps to the new Buck O’Neil Bridge is among the ideas in a report prepared by a group tasked to enliven what’s now a bland infrastructure project. Work is well underway on the $220…
Pennway Point Proposal Would Add Ferris Wheel to Downtown
(Editor’s note: This article originally was published March 16, 2022. This week, the developer filed a $3.9 million building permit with the city for “Ferris Wheel site with associated amenities.” By Kevin Collison An entertainment district at the south end of the Broadway viaduct that would include a 170-foot Ferris wheel, neon sign museum and…
Analysis: Parking, Traffic and Taxpayer Costs Are Key Downtown Ballpark Concerns
By Kevin Collison Last week’s “open letter” from Royals’ owner John Sherman about building a new ballpark in or near downtown, while not unexpected, still sent shock waves through the metro. Gauging from CityScene readership, the immediate reaction was huge with a record 20,000 plus page views of the article about his $2 billion announcement…
Nationally-Renowned Ballpark Author Says Timing Right to Bring Royals Downtown
(Editor’s note: This article originally was published Jan. 31, 2020) By Kevin Collison Kansas City was “lucky” 15 years ago not to build a downtown ballpark when the Royals lease was last up, but that’s all changed now, according to Paul Goldberger, author of the new book “Ballpark: Baseball in the American City.” The Pulitzer Prize-winning…
Plan Calls for Historic River Market Building to be Restored for Gym
By Kevin Collison A derelict historic building in the River Market at 407 Grand is slated to be restored to its original appearance as the new home of TheGymKC. TheGymKC, which has operated in the River Market at 200 Wyandotte, needs to relocate to make way for a redevelopment plan, according to the project application…
Royals Pitch $2 Billion Downtown Ballpark Development, ‘Largest Public-Private Investment in KC History’
By Kevin Collison Royals owner John Sherman officially announced what’s long been expected Tuesday–he intends to relocate his ball club to downtown as part of what he described as a $2 billion redevelopment plan. “A new home would be a far better investment, both for local taxpayer dollars already supporting our facility, and for the Kansas…
Women’s Recovery Program Plans Affordable Housing Near Troost
A program that provides affordable housing to women recovering from substance abuse and their children intends to build a 37-unit development at 28th and Tracy. Amethyst Place, which currently operates a similar-size development and 27th and Troost, is planning the $15.4 million project that’s expected to begin construction this spring and be completed by late…
Historic Scarritt and Crossroads Projects Seek Incentives from Port KC
By Kevin Collison Two proposed downtown apartment developments totaling 234 units–one old, one new–are seeking tax incentives from Port KC. A development entity called Axis KC LLC is applying for a $47 million bond to help finance the redevelopment of the historic Scarritt office tower at 818 Grand and its adjoining Arcade into 126 apartments…
Planning for Greenline Downtown Recreational Trail Makes Progress
By Kevin Collison The proposed Greenline recreational trail loop around downtown has received significant funding to help plan its eastern and southern legs, and advocates are hopeful it will land $750,000 in additional federal assistance soon. “There has been some good and exciting momentum on some of the sections,” said Jared Campbell of the Downtown…