Downtown Living
Downtown Gets New Park Where Dogs Run Free
(Editor’s note: This article originally appeared April 30, 2021) By Kevin Collison Downtown’s growing canine population–and their owners–will have another place to romp free next month when the Downtown Council opens a one-half acre dog park at the southwest corner of Seventh and Walnut. The new, off-leash dog park will be the second operated by…
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…
‘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…
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…
Boutique Hotel Proposed for Historic Workhouse Castle on Vine
By Kevin Collison The ruined former City Workhouse Castle built in 1897 to incarcerate petty criminals and vagrants would accommodate a far more upscale clientele as a boutique hotel in a new redevelopment proposal. The massive limestone curiosity at 2001 Vine St. near the 18th & Vine Jazz District and 23 acres of nearby property…
Decking South Loop Tops Downtown Improvement Priority List in Survey
By Kevin Collison The proposed decking of the South Loop freeway with a park was the most popular of three potential big downtown improvements being discussed these days, according to CityScene readers responding to an informal survey. More than 40 people offered their opinions on Facebook and Twitter last week about how they would prioritize…
Final Barney Allis Plaza Rebuild Plan Has $112.4M Price Tag
By Kevin Collison Almost three years after launching its search, the city now has solid design plan and price tag for reviving the crumbling Barney Allis Plaza, but appears to be no closer to figuring out how to pay for it. At a briefing to a Council committee Wednesday, consultants said the Plaza built in…
More Apartments Coming to West Bottoms
By Kevin Collison Construction on the $29 million second phase of the West Bottoms Flats development is expected to begin this spring and its Cleveland developer already is contemplating a third installment. MCM Company intends to complete the renovation of the Abernathy Furniture Co. building, at 1525 W. Ninth St. adding about 100 apartments to…
Proposed City Market Apartment Tower Hailed as Future Development Model
By Kevin Collison A 13-story, 300-unit apartment development planned for just west of the City Market was endorsed by a Port KC committee Monday after being hailed by the city manager as a model for future downtown development. The $75 million project proposed for what’s now a city-owned parking lot would occupy a one-acre…