News & Issues
Stories from around the Kansas City Metro area on a variety of topics.
Puttery, ‘Uniquely Themed’ Miniature Golf, Rolling into Plaza
By Kevin Collison Puttery, an “immersive” entertainment concept that adds cocktails, technology and food to the classic miniature golf game is coming to the Country Club Plaza, a much-needed addition to the Plaza lineup, according to its developer. The Dallas-based chain will occupy 23,600 square feet in the Jack Henry building at 4641 Jefferson being…
Nick’s Picks | Spring Break, St. Patrick’s Day and NCAA Tournament
Spring break, St. Patrick’s Day and the NCAA Basketball Tournament offer plenty of distractions this news week in Kansas City.
The Tamale Kitchen Reboots for Post-Pandemic Success
The Tamale Kitchen, originally established to provide employment in a working class neighborhood, is using a recent capital infusion to convert from a nonprofit to a “profit-for-a-purpose” enterprise.
Plaza Development Conflict Erupts, 1940s Church Likely Casualty
By Kevin Collison The Country Club Plaza is at a development flash point again over the likely demolition of an attractive, but unprotected, old church and a developer’s plan to replace it with a three-level restaurant project. Drake Development intends to raze the Seventh Church of Christ, Scientists at 47th and Pennsylvania and build a…
Plaza Development Controversy Erupts, 1940s Church Likely Casualty
The Country Club Plaza is a development flash point again with the likely demolition of an attractive, but unprotected, old church and a developer’s plan to replace it with a three-level restaurant project.
Boutique Hotel, Condos Planned for ‘Skinny’ Lot in River Market
By Kevin Collison A developer is planning to nestle a five-story boutique hotel and condo building amidst the “prettiest block” of 19th Century buildings in Kansas City. Attorney Gino Serra and partners Mike Heitmann and Scott Hallier are planning the project for a narrow, vacant tract at 413 Delaware. Serra said the “skinny” lot had…
How Do Housing Trust Funds Work? Here Are Three Examples From Across The Country
Although Kansas City established a housing trust fund to support affordable housing in 2018, it didn’t have any funding until recently. Here’s a look at how some other cities manage their housing trust funds.
Sports Wagering Bills Moving Toward Missouri House Debate Amid Efforts to Boost Tax Rates
A bill to legalize sports wagering is heading to the House floor for debate following a committee vote Tuesday. Three other bills legalizing sports wagering will have public hearings Wednesday in the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Tap List | Mean Mule Distilling Launches New One-Of-A-Kind Spirit
Mean Mule Distilling Co. has created a “new wave” agave-based gin.
Womontown: How 12 City Blocks in Kansas City Became a Radical Enclave By and For Women
Fed up with harassment and housing discrimination, lesbians in 1990s Kansas City dreamed of a place where they could “walk hand in hand, freely down the streets.” So they created Womontown. The radical enclave encompassed 12 city blocks and attracted women from all over the U.S.