CitySceneKC
Townhouse Project in Works for East Crossroads
By Kevin Collison The East Crossroads may be getting a new residential option for people who want to own their homes rather than rent with a plan being pursued for what’s now a parking lot at 19th and Locust. Developers Lance Carlton and Lee Berman are planning a 13-unit townhouse project on a site next…
Historic Scarritt Up for Auction, Renovation Plan Collapses
By Kevin Collison In a setback to historic preservation, a $50 million plan to redevelop the 115 year-old Scarritt office tower and adjoining Arcade apparently has collapsed and the buildings are scheduled to be sold at auction next month. The 11-story tower at 818 Grand and its four-story Arcade at 819 Walnut are set to…
KC Wheel on Course for November Opening at Pennway Point
By Kevin Collison The frame has been completed on the 150-foot KC Wheel, the high-profile centerpiece of the Pennway Point entertainment district, and its builder anticipates it will be carrying riders by early November. The attraction being built by Icon Experiences is part of an ambitious redevelopment plan by developer Vince Bryant to create an…
Puttery Starts Putt-Putt Play on Plaza
By Kevin Collison The Puttery, an upscale miniature golf concept out of Dallas, is opening Thursday (Sept. 14) in the Country Club Plaza, adding an adult-only entertainment destination to the mix of tenants. “The Plaza is well known for its retail and dining, but we’ve found that Millennials prefer experiences over purchasing items,” said JW…
With Longtime Goal Close, Downtown Council Goes Quiet on Ballpark
By Kevin Collison The biggest and loudest civic cheerleader for a downtown ballpark for almost 20 years has gone quiet as its goal becomes achingly close, choosing instead to work behind the scenes. The Downtown Council, downtown’s premier private advocate, has embraced more low-profile tactics including enlisting corporate leaders to write letters of support and…
KC Homeless Center Scores $50K Game Day Gift from NFL, Little Caesars
By Kevin Collison It was the kind of pre-game Chiefs gathering that occurred all around Kansas City Thursday, people munching pizza, getting pumped with loud DJ music and even a guest appearance by KC Wolf. But this one had a surprise delivered by the NFL and Little Caesars, a $50,000 donation to the Downtown Community…
Latina Speakeasy, Bar Bringing Drinks and Tapas to West Bottoms
By Kevin Collison A mother-daughter team who relish their Latina heritage and look forward to serving cocktails, wine and tapas in a vibrant atmosphere are opening a new place in the West Bottoms this month. “We wanted something that showed that culture,” said Kandi Kerns. “It’s all about the shared experience, sitting with friends and…
Local Plaza Backers See Silver Lining in Ownership Default
By Kevin Collison The owners of the Country Club Plaza’s default on their loan has raised the possibility of new management and lifted hopes of Plaza advocates about the future of the venerable shopping district. “For now, I am choosing to be optimistic that a new owner will bring new energy and abundant resources to…
Devoured Pizza Opening Permanent Spot in Martini Corner
By Kevin Collison Devoured Pizza, which began during the Covid pandemic as a backyard operation for friends and family, plans to open a permanent space in Martini Corner within the next six months. Devoured plans to open a 20-seat place in the same building that houses Made in KC and Ludo’s at 325 E. 31st…
Affordable Apartments in Way of Potential East Village Ballpark
By Kevin Collison In a twist on the story line the East Village sorely needs investment, the only project built there since it was designated a redevelopment zone in 2005 would need to be demolished if the Royals choose it for their ballpark. And Community Builders of Kansas City wants to leverage that affordable apartment…