Development
Columbus Park Ponders Future for Empty Six-Acres
By Kevin Collison Columbus Park, a downtown neighborhood that’s experienced its share of urban challenges, has a six-acre opportunity for redevelopment, but right now, nobody is quite sure what to do with it. “The fact is, we don’t know what we want because we don’t know what we’re able to do,” said Kate Barsotti, president…
South Plaza Condo Project Proposed Near Future UMKC Streetcar Stop
By Kevin Collison A 23-unit residential condominium project is being proposed for the South Plaza area near 50th and Walnut, about two blocks from the planned terminus of the Main Street streetcar extension at UMKC. Developer Doug Price wants to build the three-story “49 Walnut” project on a narrow lot that stretches between Walnut and…
City Agrees on Framework of $400M West Bottoms Redevelopment Plan
By Kevin Collison Plans for an estimated $400 million, phased redevelopment plan in the West Bottoms that would ultimately add 1,250 apartments has taken another step forward with the approval of a predevelopment agreement by the City Council. The agreement calls for a partnership where the city rebuilds the crumbling streets, sidewalks, sewers and other…
Royals’ First Hearing on Downtown Ballpark: ‘Our Conclusion is Clear’
By Kevin Collison The Royals believe a new downtown ballpark is the best move for the team’s future, telling the audience at their first “listening tour” event it would cost less than rebuilding The K and bring much more economic benefit to the community. “For the Royals, our conclusion is clear,” said team owner John…
Carnival Loft Project to Begin Construction This Spring
By Kevin Collison The renovation of the historic Carnival building at 802 Broadway into 39 loft apartments is expected to begin in late March after the project was approved for tax incentives Monday by a city development agency. The developer, Exact 802 LLC was approved for 75 percent, 10-year property tax reduction by the Land…
Cathedral Proceeding with New Parish Center at 11th and Broadway
By Kevin Collison The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception held a ground breaking ceremony last week for its new parish center at 11th and Broadway, part of its “Building Glory” redevelopment plan that’s also relocating its homeless breakfast ministry. Bishop James V. Johnston, Jr., leader of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph, participated in the…
Mac’s Apartment Plan at Streetcar Stop Endorsed Over Neighborhood Objections
By Kevin Collison In what could be a significant policy decision for future development along the expanded streetcar line, City Hall’s desire to promote greater residential density overruled neighborhood objections over parking Tuesday. The City Plan Commission unanimously endorsed a 318-unit development plan being pursued by Chicago-based Mac Properties at Main and Armour. It would…
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….
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…
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…