CitySceneKC
Group Reviving Former Unity Temple Stage for Shows with Social Bent
By Kevin Collison A nonprofit group wants to raise the curtain on the long-forgotten dinner theater space at Unity Temple on the Plaza and offer it as an affordable venue for socially-conscious theatrical productions. The premier of the new musical Broke Open will be the initial fundraiser for the planned Unity Performing Arts Center. The…
City Council Deals in $40M Casino KC Redevelopment
By Kevin Collison A groundbreaking is expected soon on a $40 million redevelopment of the former Isle of Capri casino, now Casino KC, that includes a major facelift of the old ‘riverboat’ and a 40,000 square-foot retail addition. The City Council unanimously approved the rezoning required for the 30-acre riverfront project, which ultimately is expected…
Katz Lives Again, Revised Incentive Plan Includes $600K Cash Subsidy
(Updated July 15: The City Council voted 9-4 to approve the revised Katz redevelopment plan. “We are thrilled to be able to develop the site and excited to preserve the building,” developer Vic Alston, owner of Lux Living, said in response to the Council action. “There are a lot of great things happening in KC…
One of Downtown’s Older Buildings Declared Dangerous
By Kevin Collison A vacant downtown building at 10th and Broadway that was around before Custer’s Last Stand has experienced a partial roof collapse, prompting fears the historic structure will wind up being razed. “This is a pretty classic demolition by neglect story,” said Josh Boehm, president of the Downtown Neighborhood Association. “The property owner…
Former Waddell & Reed Project Marketed as ‘1400KC’ Spec Office Tower
The 18-story office and garage tower under construction at 14th and Baltimore originally intended to be Waddell & Reed’s headquarters has been renamed “1400KC” and is being marketed nationally by CBRE. The $148 million development is expected to be available for sublease and tenant improvements by April 2022, according to a CBRE press release. Local…
Josey Moseys to McGee, Celebrates ‘Record Store Day’
By Kevin Collison Josey Records has flipped around the corner to 1815 McGee in the East Crossroads, bringing along its 60,000 LPs, thousands of 45’s and a small frustration. “Having two floors, it’s been a big of a challenge trying to get people to notice the basement,” said Christian Labeau, store manager. “You can put…
RiNo Charges Crossroads, Denver Developer Partnering on Gastro Pub and Pool Hall
By Kevin Collison A Denver developer has found his new ‘RiNo’ in the Crossroads, planning a pool hall and gastro pub at 16th and Grand along with revamping the former Architectural Salvage building. “I’ve developed a single block of RiNo,” Ken Wolf said, “and what attracted me to Kansas City is the Crossroads, which in…
Riverfront Soccer, Office and Training Complex Proposed
(Updated Sept. 17: The decision by the Kansas City National Women’s Soccer League to build its $15 million training facility in Riverside eliminated an option that had been considered in July for the downtown Kansas City riverfront. “We do not anticipate moving forward with a sports training facility as previously reported at this time,” Jon…
WeekEnder Movie and Concert Series Begins Friday at Crown Center
Crown Center kicks off its WeekEnder series this Friday and will once again be showing outdoor movies after skipping that part of the program last summer due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The free, family-friendly outdoor entertainment series will feature a movie, live music, food and beverages each Friday evening in July starting at 6 p.m….
Cycle City Rolling Into River Market with Second Location
By Kevin Collison Cycle City, a popular Parkville bicycle shop for 18 years, plans to open a second location in the River Market this October in the historic Water Building at 201 Main St. Owner Joe Fox and his partner Derek Braun decided a second operation made sense in one of downtown’s most dynamic neighborhoods….