Downtown Living
Spring Urban Homes Tour Includes Three New Downtown Projects
The Downtown Neighborhood Association is sponsoring its Spring Urban Homes Tour Saturday (June 9), and this year’s event will include three just-completed apartment projects: Two Light, The Union and 531 Grand. Jared Campbell, the president of the DNA, said this is the second year his group has sponsored the event, which he described as a…
Resurrection Opens First New Downtown Church Built in Over a Century
By Kevin Collison If you’re looking for a symbol of how downtown Kansas City has revived in recent years, search no further than the new Church of the Resurrection which opens this weekend at 1601 Grand. “When I moved here from Detroit in 2009, the Downtown Council’s slogan was ‘live, work and play,’” observed the…
Proposed Office Project Would ‘Fill Out’ Block Facing Barney Allis Plaza
By Kevin Collison A development agency got an early look last week at a proposed $114 million project that includes renovating two historic buildings and building a combination garage and office building in the heart of downtown. Platform Ventures plans to seek tax incentives for a redevelopment plan that includes renovating the former Kansas City…
Three Light Incentives Gain Qualified Support from Advisory Board
By Kevin Collison The planned Three Light luxury apartment project got a rough reception from an advisory board reviewing its proposed incentives Wednesday, echoing criticism the deal endured from the Kansas City Council two months ago. Members of the Chapter 353 board narrowly endorsed tax incentives for the 300-unit project planned by the Cordish Co….
Newly-Renamed Hy-Vee Arena on Track for September Completion
By Kevin Collison It’s naming time–again–for the former Kemper Arena, and this time Hy-Vee supermarkets is stamping its brand on the $39 million redevelopment project. The Iowa-based chain, which operates 20 stores in metro Kansas City, is replacing Mosaic Life Care, which had to drop its naming rights agreement for the arena last December after…
Major Redevelopment Plan Includes Historic KC Club, Muehlebach Hotel Buildings
By Kevin Collison A $114 million redevelopment proposal in the heart of downtown that includes renovating the historic former Kansas City Club and Hotel Muehlebach buildings, and erecting a new office and garage project is coming before a city development agency. Platform Ventures is proposing the redevelopment plan, which would involve much of the city…
Latest River Market Apartment Project Filling Fast
By Kevin Collison Only six months after its opening, the River Market’s latest apartment development, 531 Grand, is already 72 percent leased with its studio units completely gone. The 185-unit development is the first to be built in downtown by Omaha-based Cornerstone Associates. CEO Larry Mazzotta is so pleased, his firm is considering doing another…
Fall Completion Expected for $65M Traders Apartment Redevelopment
By Kevin Collison A $65 million redevelopment of the historic Traders National Bank Building at 1125 Grand into 201 apartments is expected to be completed this fall. Sunflower Development Group and Block Real Estate Services are co-developers. Their project is transforming the 21-story building into a mix of studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments capped by…
Landmark Western Auto Sign to Dazzle Downtown Skyline Again
(Updated June 25) The landmark Western Auto sign is scheduled to light up the skyline again on again July 13, according to a release today from building’s homeowner’s association and Copaken Brooks. If you’re looking for a souvenir, the old light bulbs from the sign will be available for purchase on July 9. For more…
Former Union Hill Motel Converted to Apartments
By Kevin Collison A former motel at 29th and Main has been renovated into 96 apartments, many geared toward the high-demand, affordable housing market. The one-time Residence Inn was converted into rental housing by Bob Frye of Union Hill development. It’s offering studio and smaller one-bedroom units from $895- to $995 per month, and two…