CitySceneKC
Nearby Neighborhoods Big Part of ‘Imagine Downtown KC’
By Kevin Collison The Imagine Downtown KC project launched by the Downtown Council last summer is deep into reimagining a new relationship between downtown as most people know it and surrounding neighborhoods as far as Pendleton Heights and Beacon Hill. “This plan is changing our perception of downtown,” said Lynn Carlton, chairwoman of the Downtown…
FTA Grants Full $174M for Streetcar Extension to UMKC, Signing Early January
(Updated Jan. 7, 2021: Federal officials are scheduled to finalize full funding for the Main Street streetcar extension project at an event tomorrow (Friday) morning, according to a media alert from the Kansas City Streetcar Authority. Federal Transit Administration Deputy Administrator K. Jane Williams, Mayor Quinton Lucas and City Manager Brian Platt, local elected officials,…
Starving for Business, Downtown Marriott Savors Success with ‘Ghost Kitchen’
By Kevin Collison Starved for hotel guests because of the pandemic, the Downtown Marriott is pivoting to feeding the appetites of nearby residents and workers by opening a “ghost kitchen” for take-out and delivery. “It’s no secret, 2020 has been hard on the hospitality industry and convention hotels,” said Dustin Holcumbrink, director of sales and…
Chaotic Downtown Stunt-Driving Part of Long, Reckless Season
By Kevin Collison A raucous stunt-driving session that closed one of downtown’s most visible intersections over the weekend is the latest outrage in what’s been a loud, chaotic year for residents in the urban core. The high-profile, donut-spinning incident Sunday night at 13th and Grand by the T-Mobile Center was part of a pattern in…
Fountain City Winery Opening Soon in West Bottoms
By Kevin Collison The West Bottoms is about to welcome another winery to the eclectic blend of businesses that have found a home in the old industrial district of downtown. Jay and Melissa Pietkiewicz hope to open Fountain City Winery by Christmas at 1409 W. 11th St. The couple met while working in the wine industry…
More Living in River Market, 76-Unit Building Planned
By Kevin Collison A $20 million apartment project is planned for Fourth and Broadway near the foot of the Buck O’Neil Bridge in the River Market, the latest addition in what’s become a popular area for downtown living. Developers George Birt and Taylor McKee intend to begin construction in late spring on the eight-story, 76-unit…
Waddell & Reed Sold, Future of Downtown HQ Plans Uncertain
By Kevin Collison Waddell & Reed has been sold to an Australian global financial firm, casting a big shadow over its plans to relocate its headquarters to a $148 million downtown tower under construction that was approved for tax incentives only a year ago. The Overland Park-based firm announced late Wednesday it has entered into…
Urban Hikes Explores History, Architecture and Art with Exercise to Boot
By Kevin Collison Lisa Peña traces her inspiration to launch Urban Hikes Kansas City to her childhood days exploring the woods near her home in the Rosedale neighborhood of KCK. “As I got older, I realized how much I like being outdoors,” she said. “I also loved Kansas City growing up and tried to visit…
New Strategy Hopes to Reanimate Disney Laugh-O-Gram Building
By Kevin Collison Backers of the effort to reanimate the historic Laugh-O-Gram building where Walt Disney got his start a century ago believe they finally have a winning strategy to complete the languishing project. The new plan calls for the building near 31st and Troost to be renovated for multiple uses: a small theater and…
Crown Center Holiday Celebration Ringing
Crown Center’s holiday season starts in earnest today with the lighting of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree and Santa’s arrival, although his sojourn at the Shops will be a uniquely 2020 experience. This year, it’s Claus vs. Covid and to protect both the jolly fat man and his young fans, Santa will be wearing a mask,…