News & Issues
Stories from around the Kansas City Metro area on a variety of topics.
Neighborhood Champion: Julie Boye
They do it for no pay and little fanfare. Who are they? They are the neighborhood leaders who fight to improve some of the most distressed neighborhoods on the East Side of Kansas City, Missouri. These are the men and women who advocate for better housing, less crime, and more economic opportunity. Through its coverage…
New Westport Master Plan Calls for Shorter Buildings, Wider Sidewalks
By Kevin Collison A new master plan intended to guide the future development of Westport over the next 20 years proposes height restrictions along its primary streets, wider sidewalks and potential historic designations for nearby neighborhoods. The Westport District Master Plan is in response to concerns two years ago over two large apartment proposals and…
Liberty Memorial and World War I Museum Salute Memorial Day
Downtown Kansas City is the place to commemorate Memorial Day activities this weekend with the World War I Museum offering half price admission and the KC Symphony performing its annual outdoor concert at Union Station Sunday. “During Memorial Day weekend, it’s important for people to spend time recognizing and honoring those who made the ultimate…
Mildred’s Original Downtown Spot Shifts to More Visible Quarters
By Kevin Collison Most people associate Mildred’s, the popular cafe and coffee shop, with the Crossroads Arts District. But did you know there’s another Mildred’s in downtown, one that predates the Crossroads location at 19th and Wyandotte by almost a decade? That’s why Mildred’s is relocating from the lobby of the Ten Main Center building…
What’s The Story Behind That Shiny Spire In Independence, Missouri?
Like many Metropolitan-area residents, Valorie Wells Fenton has driven by the silver spire that corkscrews skyward in Independence, Missouri. She heard it’s the place Mormons expect Jesus to return and wondered if the site may be to Mormons like the Vatican is to Catholics. After talking with family and friends about the church, she realized…
$95M Crossroads Apartment Proposal Clears First Hurdle, Challenges Remain
Updated June 28: The Kansas City Council approved the TIF amendment that will allow tax incentives to help build the project’s garage at its meeting Thursday. Renderings of the Track 215 project also were furnished by staff. The next step is seeking a property tax abatement from Port KC) By Kevin Collison Backers of a…
Ambitious Plan to Revive Historic Troost Business District Proposed
By Kevin Collison A stretch of buildings in the heart of the historic Troost commercial district would be transformed into offices, retail space and a museum under a plan being pursued by development group that includes civic leader E. Frank Ellis. Ellis, past chairman and founder of Swope Community Enterprises, along with Tim Bowman of…
Midland Project Wins Incentive Approval, Work Starts Early 2020
By Kevin Collison Work is expected to begin early next year on redeveloping the historic Midland office building into 117 affordable apartments following approval of tax incentives Thursday. The Planned Industrial Expansion Authority approved a 25-year property tax abatement to help finance the $24.3 million renovation plan for what’s called The Saxon at The Midland…
United Inner City Services Hope Murals Bring Attention to the Rector House
Empty houses are still full of stories. The Rector House sits at 2000 E. 12th St., a two-story brick home with bright swirls of paint on plywood nailed across the windows and doors. The century-old house built for Sarah Rector, once called the “richest Black girl in America,” has been abandoned for nearly a decade….
New Headquarters Marks Another Turning Point For KCK’s Youthfront
Over its 75-plus years, Youthfront, a Christian ministry that supports youth pastors and offers summer camps and other programs for young people, has made several key transitions. And now it’s changing locations. Well, slightly. The organization’s 38 full-time staff members are moving into new headquarters at 4600 Rainbow Boulevard in Kansas City, Kansas, and preparing…