News & Issues
Stories from around the Kansas City Metro area on a variety of topics.
UMKC Seeks 5,000-Seat Arena, Retail By Streetcar Stop
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 proposals for a project that, while the university would not…
Electric Vehicle Fleets are Coming on Fast
The electric vehicle revolution is bringing the battle to throttle climate change and achieve sustainability to unlikely locales in Kansas.
Boutique Hotel Plan Returns for Historic Building on Grand
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 in downtown Lincoln, wants to redevelop the distinctive, copper-faced building…
Winners and Losers of Missouri’s 2023 Legislative Session
Just 43 of more than 3,000 non-budget bills introduced during the 2023 session of the Missouri General Assembly passed. Here are the winners and losers.
Nick’s Picks | Missouri’s Transgender Restrictions and KC’s Charter Changes
Top stories this week include new Missouri transgender restrictions, possible changes to Kansas City’s charter and graduation for many local students.
Port KC Seeks Big Project with Public Parking by New Soccer Stadium
By Kevin Collison Port KC is seeking proposals for a big mixed-use development that could add hundreds of apartments, hotel rooms and commercial space to the riverfront, and address its need to provide parking for the new women’s professional soccer stadium. The request for proposals (RFP) is seeking submissions for what’s called Parcel 9, a…
More People Opting for End of Life Alternatives
Ten states permit end of life via Medical Aid in Dying. Why do patients request to end their lives early, and how do medical providers make sure they mean it?
New Affordable Housing Plan Jazzing Up Investment at 18th and Vine
By Kevin Collison A proposed 48-unit affordable apartment project that also would include the former House of Hits building is the latest in a surge of redevelopment either underway or in the works in the 18th and Vine District. The $21 million Jazz III project would occupy the entire south side of 18th Street between…
Kansas City Rushes to Consider Changes to its ‘Constitution’
Critics want more time to provide input as the Kansas City Charter Review Commission rushes to complete its work before the end of May.
Port KC Establishing District to Fund Riverfront Streetcar Plan
By Kevin Collison Port KC took the first step towards funding its share of the planned streetcar extension to Berkley Park this week when its development committee endorsed creating a special riverfront taxing district. Launching what would be called Port Improvement District 6 still requires approval from the full board and support from property owners,…