News & Issues
Stories from around the Kansas City Metro area on a variety of topics.
Federal Tax Credits Drive Foreign Wind Investment
Investment in U.S. wind energy production has increased tenfold over the past decade with the help of billions of dollars in federal tax help, with foreign companies making up much of the increase. Indeed, six foreign-owned wind energy companies have received at least $4.8 billion in federal tax credits between 2000 and 2015, according to…
Day Spa and Physical Therapy Clinic Coming to ‘Baltimore Square’ District
A new day spa and physical therapy clinic are opening in what’s being branded the “Baltimore Square” district, a group of historic buildings in the Ninth and Baltimore area owned by Denver developer Craig Slawson. The Plaza West Spa is planning to open at the former Kansas City Club at 918 Baltimore and SERC Physical…
Downtown Convention Hotel Expects to Break Ground Jan. 2, Wins Key Approvals from Development Agency
Updated: Kansas City Tax Increment Financing Commission approved redevelopment agreement and other documents for convention hotel project this morning, last public hurdle for the project. By Kevin Collison After seven years of discussion and planning, construction of a 24-story, 800-room downtown convention hotel is expected to begin Jan. 2 following approvals of key documents Wednesday….
Downtown Dazzle Heats Up in December with Urban Homes Tour and Streetcar Concerts
Anyone interested in checking out the downtown housing market will have an opportunity Dec. 9 as part of the ongoing Downtown Dazzle holiday festivities. The free Urban Homes Tour will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 20 residential buildings will be open for touring throughout greater downtown from Union Hill to the…
Critical Convention Hotel Agreements Before Development Agency, Includes $59.7 Million Private Investment
By Kevin Collison The long-awaited, 800-room downtown convention hotel is poised to begin construction in January if, as expected, the key city development agency handling its financing and property issues approves the deal Wednesday. The Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority board is scheduled to consider the final financing and leasing agreements with KC Hotel Venture…
Developer May Shift Affordable Apartment Project Threatened by State Tax Credit Cut to East Village
By Kevin Collison Developer Kelley Hrabe is scrambling to salvage his plan to build 400 affordable apartments downtown following a sudden shift in state policy and plans to pitch his project for the long-dormant East Village redevelopment area. Hrabe of Prairie Fire Development was about to announce his residential project at another downtown location when…
Origin Story | The Strowger Switch
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Upcoming ‘Art of the Brick’ LEGO Show at Union Station Invites Ideas for Kansas City Creation
The ‘Art of the Brick,’ described as the first major museum exhibition using LEGO bricks to create art, is coming to Union Station in January and the artist is inviting ideas for a special Kansas City-themed creation. Artist Nathan Sawaya has received national recognition for his LEGO creations that include original pieces and versions of…
Downtown YMCA Project Wins Key State Funding Needed to Complete Fundraising
By Kevin Collison After a 36 year absence, a full-service YMCA is returning to downtown Kansas City following approval Tuesday of state tax credits needed to help finance building its new home in the historic Lyric Theater. The Missouri Development Finance Board approved up to $4 million in state tax credits, a move that’s expected…
Hospital Chaplains Deliver Spiritual Care
Right from birth, this baby was sick, in trouble. “Her mother immediately asked for prayer and was very optimistic,” Kathie Knehans, then a chaplain at Children’s Mercy Hospital told me. So Knehans prayed with the family. And even when no family members were present, Knehans, now retired, visited the child and prayed. When the still-hospitalized…