News & Issues
Stories from around the Kansas City Metro area on a variety of topics.
Cascade Luxury Hotel and Strang Chef Collective Open at Plaza
By Kevin Collison The Cascade luxury boutique hotel opened Wednesday at the Country Club Plaza, and along with the new Strang Chef Collective inside, it’s considered a $115 million vote of confidence in the district’s future. “We’re excited about the investments being made,” said developer Joe Morrison, president of Capital Management. “This is the most…
Nichols’ Folly: A Century of the Country Club Plaza
The Country Club Plaza, as it marks its centennial, is at a crossroads. J.C. Nichols’ iconic district is seen both as private property and public trust.
Kansas City Votes ‘Yes’ on Public Bus Funding by Renewing Sales Tax for Another Decade
Kansas City voters on Tuesday overwhelmingly approved renewing a local sales tax to fund public transit for the next decade.
Plan for 12th and Broadway Calls for Apartments, HQ Expansion
(Editor’s note: This article originally was published April 13, 2023) By Kevin Collison The developer of city-owned property at 12th and Broadway wants to build a 13-story apartment building and ultimately expand the former Kansas City Southern headquarters, but the timing relies on the proposed reconstruction of Barney Allis Plaza. The proposal by what’s now…
Grieving Parents Turning Tragedy of Suicide into Hope
Parents of children who have died by suicide have banded together to help dramatically reduce such tragedies in the Blue Valley School District.
Boutique Hotel Plan Returns for Historic Building on Grand
(Editor’s note: This article originally was posted May 15, 2023) By Kevin Collison A proposal to restore the historic Mason Building at 1110 Grand and reopen it as a 35-room boutique hotel has returned, led by a developer with a similar hotel venture in Lincoln, Neb. Nicholas Castaneda, a principal with the 49-room Kindler Hotel…
Kansas Officials Downplayed Involvement in Marion Raid. Here’s What They Knew.
The Marion police chief enlisted the support of local and state law enforcement officials before he led raids on the local newspaper and the publisher’s home.
Nick’s Picks | Local Elections, ‘Nichols’ Folly’ and Veterans Day
The week ahead in Kansas City includes local elections, a new documentary about the Country Club Plaza and Veterans Day.
Arizona Trading Co. Opening in East Crossroads
(Editor’s note: This article originally was published June 9, 2023) By Kevin Collison Arizona Trading Co. is opening its biggest store in the East Crossroads this summer and for co-owner Venus Nichols, it’s a return to familiar territory. “It’s such a wonderful place,” she said. “I used to perform with a band (Stretchmarks) at The…
UMKC Seeks 5,000-Seat Arena, Retail By Streetcar Stop
(Editor’s note: This article originally was published May 16, 2023) By Kevin Collison UMKC is pitching a development proposal that would anchor the south end of the new streetcar extension with a 4,000- 5,000 seat arena for sports and cultural events, according to a request for proposals issued Monday. UMKC is asking developers to submit…