East Side Development Sales Tax
In 2017, voters approved a 1/8 cent sales tax with the goal of spurring economic development in disadvantaged neighborhoods of the city. So far, the Central City Economic Development (CCED) sales tax has awarded over $53 million and funded 39 projects. This month, Flatland in Focus investigates these projects and gages their effectiveness in addressing…
Crown Center Lands Office Tenants, Credits Vibrant Environment
By Kevin Collison Crown Center is bucking the sluggish national and local office market trend, adding or renewing leases this year totaling 167,000 square feet with the biggest catch the Kutak Rock law firm. Stacey Paine, president at Crown Center Redevelopment, credits the mixed-use formula that was the foundation of the development more than 50…
Weekend Possibilities | Dark Forest, Día de los Muertos and Dogtober Fest
Would you explore a pitch-black 19th century jail alongside paranormal investigators? That’s just one of the spooky options this late-October weekend, in addition to trunk-or-treat at 18th and Vine, Dark Forest at Powell Gardens and Boo & Brew at Town Center. Friday, Oct. 20 5:30 – 9 p.m. Hayrides, mad science, fortune tellers, a scarecrow…
Sales Tax for East Side Projects Grapples with Growing Pains
Kansas City’s Central City Economic Development (CCED) sales tax program has produced mixed results and faces political headwinds as the time for renewal looms.
KC Current Gets Saucy with Joe’s KC
Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que will storm the pitch as the first restaurant at the new KC Current professional women’s soccer stadium scheduled to open on the downtown riverfront in March. “Telling our local food story to the world, we are thrilled to feature Joe’s Kansas City BBQ at the KC Current stadium,” Colby and Megan…
Rural Rebirth: ‘There’s Always Something Going On’ in Baldwin City
Baldwin City went from “sleepy” 20 years ago to a vibrant community thanks to some dedicated locals. Its Maple Leaf Festival will draw thousands this weekend.
Tap List | Brookside’s BKS Artisan Ales Turns 6
Brookside’s beloved BKS Artisan Ales is throwing a grand party this Saturday to celebrate its sixth anniversary.
As Ogallala Aquifer Declines in the Great Plains, States Weigh Metering Irrigation Wells
Water levels are dropping in the Ogallala Aquifer, and states in the Great Plains are considering whether to monitor groundwater irrigators are pumping out.
Design Revealed for UMKC Healthcare Building, Work Start Next Year
By Kevin Collison UMKC officials revealed the design of the $120 million Healthcare Innovation building planned for Hospital Hill today, and announced more government funding for the project has been secured. Former Sen. Roy Blunt helped obtain $10 million in federal support for the project, and the state of Missouri has increased its commitment from…
Columbus Park Townhome Project to Test Demand for Upscale Housing
(Editor’s note: This article originally was published July 26) By Kevin Collison Work has begun on a residential project in the Columbus Park neighborhood that is expected to fetch sales prices in the mid-$600,000 range for three-bedroom townhomes. The project by DAK Pacific LLC is being built on a small triangular site at 1015 Pacific…
Missouri Counties Want to Freeze Seniors’ Property Tax Assessments, But Aren’t Sure They Can
Many Missouri counties are confused by a new state law designed to give seniors relief from soaring property tax assessments.
Grain Belt Express Wins Final Approval in Missouri
Regulators have given final approval to the owners of the Grain Belt Express transmission line to drop off thousands of megawatts of clean energy in Missouri.
Developer Rescues Historic Seiden’s Fur Building; What’s Next?
(Editor’s note: This article originally was published June 15) By Kevin Collison Developer Chris Sally has swooped in to save a long-neglected, historic building in the heart of downtown that had been slated to be demolished this week. The big question now is, what is he going to do with it? “We called the owner…
We Are Latinos II | Cesar Velez Dreams of ‘No Restrictions’
Cesar Velez is a dreamer in the DACA program. He dreams of creating art with “no restrictions.” His story is part of “We Are Latinos II” on Kansas City PBS.
West Bottoms Revival Continues with Two More Historic Rehabs
(Editor’s note: This article originally was published May 22) By Kevin Collison The West Bottoms redevelopment surge continued last week with tax incentives approved for the renovation of two historic buildings, one a 77-unit apartment project, the other a small office plan. The MCM Company of Cleveland continued onto the next phase of its West…