Transportation
KCATA Backs Two Big Transit-Oriented Apartment Projects
By Kevin Collison The KCATA has jumped into transit-oriented development in a big way, approving bonds this week for two apartment projects totaling $190 million that could receive up to a 75 percent property tax reduction over 20 years. The board accepted what it describes as a public-private partnership with Northpoint Development, which is proposing…
KC Streetcar Extension Reshapes Midtown Real Estate Market
By Annie Jennemann Flatland The KC Streetcar extension along Main Street isn’t just about moving people – it’s about creating a new framework for development in Midtown. “We have certainly noticed a major increase in interest in developing in the area, which is totally to be expected,” said Kevin Klinkenberg, executive director of Midtown KC…
Protected Bike Lane First Step to Fulfill ‘Making Grand Grand’ Vision
By Kevin Collison The City Council has approved funding to plan a protected bike lane on Grand Boulevard between the South Loop and Crown Center, the first step toward implementing the “Making Grand Grand” vision hatched over a decade ago. The money for the Grand Boulevard bike lane through the Crossroads District is part of…
Proposed Greenline Trail Price Tag $80M, Plan to Seek Federal Funding
By Kevin Collison The proposed Greenline recreational trail loop around downtown now has an estimated $80 million price tag, according to backers who plan to eventually seek federal funding for the project. The Greenline was initially pitched almost three years ago by developer Vince Bryant, who’s firm 3D Development has renovated several buildings in the…
Big Apartment Plan Proposed for Prominent Site Near Penn Valley Park
By Kevin Collison A $122 million residential project is in the works for the prominent, five-acre site of the old Trinity Lutheran Hospital complex by Penn Valley Park and near the planned streetcar stop at 31st and Main. NorthPoint Development LLC has acquired what has been a troubled property for years and is seeking tax…
North Loop Among ‘Freeways without Futures’ in New National Report
(Editor’s note: This article originally appeared in CityScene KC June 2, 2021) By Kevin Collison The downtown North Loop is among 15 freeways throughout the country that should be removed and their tracks revitalized according to a new report by a national non-profit organization that champions “walkable urbanism.” The “Freeways Without Futures 2021” report by the…
KCATA Briefed on Tower Plan for 10th and Main, Work Could Begin in 2023
By Kevin Collison A mixed-use tower with up to 240 apartments being proposed for KCATA property at 10th and Main could break ground by summer 2023 and open by early 2025, according to a tentative schedule outlined Wednesday. The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority board received a progress report on the ambitious development concept being…
Plan to Cap Freeway Dividing Downtown Wins Strong Fed and Private Support
By Kevin Collison Federal elected officials joined Mayor Quinton Lucas Friday to say they’re confident funding can be arranged to build a four-block park deck over the South Loop. “This is going to be the rare project where we announced it, we talked about it, but you will see shovels in the ground soon,” Lucas…
KCATA Pursuing Ambitious Mixed-Use Tower Concept at Tenth and Main
By Kevin Collison The KCATA’s development arm is pursuing a potential 26-story mixed-use tower at its former transit center at 10th and Main, but the concept already is being slammed by a prominent nearby property owner who’d prefer a park there. RideKC Development Corp. (RDC) is working with a development group called Live & Ride…
Downtown Complete Streets Study Holds Open House
By Kevin Collison A proposed redesign plan that’s intended to introduce bus and bicycle lanes on two major downtown arteries, 11th and 12th streets, will be discussed at an open house today (March 2) from 4- to 6 p.m. The proposed 11th and 12th Complete Streets Connections study has been in the works for more…