CitySceneKC
Thirsty? Your Hoppy Guide to the Downtown KC Craft Beer Scene
(Editor’s note: This article was last updated March 10, 2022) Kansas City’s downtown craft beer scene traces its hoppy roots back to Nov. 17, 1989. That’s the date John McDonald, founder of Boulevard Brewing, delivered his first keg of Pale Ale to Ponak’s Mexican Kitchen just a few blocks down the road on Southwest Boulevard….
Made in KC Grows Urban Footprint
(Editor’s note: This article originally appeared Aug. 8, 2021) By Kevin Collison At a time traditional retail is struggling, Made in KC is bucking the trend with an expansion in the works at its Country Club Plaza outlet, a new downtown café and finally, a chance to serve beer and wine at its streetcar location…
Crossroads Plan Would Revive Film Row Buildings, Add Apartments, Retail
By Kevin Collison A sweeping redevelopment concept that would renovate two historic Film Row buildings and build an apartment project along 17th street south of the Kauffman Center is being pursued by philanthropist Shirley Helzberg. The proposal, which is in the preliminary stages, also would renovate a low-rise, L-shaped industrial building at the northwest corner…
Café Corazón Opens Crossroads Location
(Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared May 20, 2021, the new Crossroads location is now open.) By Kevin Collison Café Corazón is bringing its Hispanic heart to the Crossroads, planning to open a second location at 110 Southwest Boulevard within the next two months. The family-run café, which offers espresso drinks and foods with a…
‘Auschwitz’ Exhibit Shatters Attendance Record, Prompts Scalper Warning
By Kevin Collison Union Station’s ongoing Auschwitz exhibition has shattered attendance records and demand remains so strong it’s receiving the ultimate backward compliment in the event world, people are scalping tickets. The “Auschwitz, Not Long Ago, Not Far Away” exhibit has drawn more than 330,000 visitors since it’s opening last June, enough to fill Arrowhead…
‘Long Overdue’ 18th & Vine Plan Wins Strong Council Backing
By Kevin Collison A redevelopment proposal that preserves historic facades and builds apartments and retail in the 18th and Vine District was approved overwhelmingly by the City Council Thursday after being hailed by its sponsor as a “good day for Kansas City.” “We’ve come to the point where we have an agreement with an entity…
Renderings Posted of Proposed Lux Living Riverfront Apartment Project
By Kevin Collison Preliminary renderings of a riverfront apartment project proposed by Lux Living have surfaced on social media and show what’s described as a design “bending” along the Missouri River. The renderings were posted on the Lux Living Instagram account this week. The St. Louis developer has been negotiating with Port KC for what’s…
18th & Vine Concept Called ‘Beale Street,’ Sparks Council Clash
By Kevin Collison A $23 million mixed-use redevelopment proposal backed by Mayor Quinton Lucas that would add apartments and retail space to the 18th and Vine District is being opposed by Council members who fear it would turn the area into another “Beale Street.” “On this first day of Black History, we are working to…
Downtown Living Gets High Marks from People in Survey, Less So Dogs
(Editor’s Note: This article originally was published May 7, 2021) By Kevin Collison It still may be a challenging place to shop or bike ride, but regardless, a new survey of downtown residents finds an overwhelming majority very satisfied they chose to live in the heart of the city. The 45-question survey conducted last winter…
EverWild Florals Welcomes First Valentine’s Day Downtown
By Kevin Collison Sarah Jaeger wanted a central location to open her first retail flower shop last summer and is delighted to welcome her first Valentine’s Day in space adjoining the lobby of the art deco 909 Walnut apartment tower. “I looked all over for a year and I knew I wanted to be in…