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Looking Up in the Crossroads, a Dramatic 14-Story Apartment Proposal
By Kevin Collison Copaken Brooks is proposing a 14-story apartment tower at 18th and Walnut, a striking addition to the skyline that would replace a crumbling Crossroads parking lot with 132 residences. The $40- to $50 million project would be the second residential tower developed by the firm in the Crossroads Arts District, the other…
Voters Overwhelming Approve Local Funding to Extend Streetcar to UMKC, Next Stop Washington
By Kim Mueller Kansas City voters living within the Main Street Transportation Development District (TDD) overwhelming approved local funding needed to extend the streetcar route 3.5 miles from Union Station to UMKC. “It’s an exciting day to have both questions pass by such large margins,” Jared Campbell, Downtown Neighborhood Association president, said Wednesday. “It just…
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…
Building Housing Crossroad’s Favorites YJ’s, Birdies Sold
By Kevin Collison The red-brick building at the corner of the Crossroad Arts District‘s funkiest retail scene has been sold, leaving unclear the future of its creative collection of tenants including Birdies. But for artist David Ford, whose run YJ’s Snack Bar for 20 years, the sale means good-bye to the whimsical, bohemian Crossroad scene…
MAC Properties Plans $78M Project to Revive Troost/Armour Intersection
By Kevin Collison A bold redevelopment plan that would transform the forlorn intersection of Armour and Troost into a vibrant hub with hundreds of new apartments and small businesses won approval for tax incentives Thursday. The $78 million Armour Corners Project planned by MAC Properties calls for five new buildings that will add 450 apartments…
Downtown UMKC Arts Campus Idea Revived, Barney Allis Plaza in the Mix
By Kevin Collison The possibility of a UMKC arts campus in downtown Kansas City is being floated again and this time Barney Allis Plaza is the apparent preferred candidate. University of Missouri-Kansas City officials announced Thursday they will seek proposals, described as a “request for interest (RFI),” for a new arts facility that would house…
Embassy Suites Anticipates Mid-2020 Opening in Old Federal Reserve
By Kevin Collison The long-awaited redevelopment of the historic Federal Reserve Bank building into a 321-room Embassy Suites hotel is back on track and is expected to start interior remediation soon, according to its Colorado-based developer. “It’s been a long, difficult process that’s now come to a head and we’re ready to go,” said Jeff…
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…
J. Rieger Pursuing Ambitious ‘Electric Park’ Project in East Bottoms
By Kevin Collison The co-founder of Jacob Rieger & Co. distillery is pursuing a visionary concept to renovate the historic Heim Brewery Building in the East Bottoms as a catalyst to re-energize the old Electric Park area. The $11.3 million redevelopment proposal being pursued by Andy Rieger tentatively calls for the brick building at 507…