News & Issues
Stories from around the Kansas City Metro area on a variety of topics.
Plaza Luxury Apartment Tower Returns, Potential 2022 Start
By Kevin Collison A 15-story, luxury apartment project first proposed five years ago near the Country Club Plaza is returning to City Hall next month with a potential groundbreaking in the second half of next year. “The Madison” development planned by Block Real Estate Services would occupy a vacant triangular lot where Roanoke Parkway and…
‘Prognosis is Pointless’: Journey Pro Owner Forces Cancer to Tap Out
Journey Pro wrestling event founder DJ Stewart has survived two cancer diagnoses while building a life, and a business.
Race and Education
This month on Flatland, we explore the controversy over Critical Race Theory in Kansas City area education.
Nighthawk Lands at Hotel Kansas City
By Kevin Collison The new Hotel Kansas City, which has picked up great reviews for its design and support for local artists, is serving up more style by opening a music-focused cellar bar called Nighthawk later this month. The space originally had been penciled for a concept called “El Gold” when the hotel opened at…
Critical Race Theory: War of Words, and Curriculums
Suburban school districts are grappling with how to teach race in education, becoming ground zero in an increasingly politicized fight over critical race theory and diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.
How Delta-8 THC is Shaking Up the KC Cannabis Industry
Delta-8 has surged in popularity since the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp and products with less than 0.3% THC, the intoxicating component of cannabis plants that delivers the “high.”
Spokes Rolls Into Crown Center
By Kevin Collison Spokes Cafe & Cyclery is rolling into its third downtown location at Crown Center, proof to its owner the welcoming reputation it established more than four years ago at its first operation in Quality Hill has paid off. “We feel like we run an ultra-local shop,” said Dan Walsh, managing partner. “We…
Accolades for Apartments Offer Latest Sign KC is an Emerging Energy Efficiency Mecca
One of the most energy efficient apartment complexes in the world is at Second and Delaware streets in Kansas City. It’s getting more attention as the world combats climate change.
Work on $57M Fashionbilt Lofts May Start Next Spring
By Kevin Collison The developer of the proposed 222-unit Fashionbilt Lofts near Quality Hill is wrapping up his application for historic tax credits and anticipates starting work on the $57 million project this spring. Gary Hassenflu of MW Development plans to renovate the historic Barton Brothers Shoe Co. Building at 423 W. Eighth St., build…
Lazia Reopens at Crossroads Hotel with New Chef and Menu
Lazia has returned to the Crossroads Hotel after a long, Covid-layoff, and the restaurant reopened last week with a new chef and menu still steeped in Italian cuisine. Chef Justin Kent, who over the past decade has worked at some of the city’s top restaurants including Classic Cup and The American, is serving what’s described…