CitySceneKC
UMKC Rejects Downtown Options for Conservatory
(Editor’s note: Updated with reaction from the Downtown Council and City Manager Troy Schulte) By Kevin Collison The seven-year quest by civic leaders to bring the UMKC Conservatory to downtown Kansas City ended abruptly Tuesday when university officials issued a statement that rejects any downtown location. Instead, Chancellor C. Mauli Agrawal said that UMKC will only…
New 520 Penn Office Project Attracts Younger Workers to Crossroads
By Kevin Collison The Crossroads latest office project, 520 Penn, is attracting employers who believe their workers value the kind of diverse, vibrant environment offered by being downtown. The $15 million renovation of the historic McQueeny-Lock building was completed in July and is now home to 150 employees working at three firms: Centric Projects, Superior…
This Year’s Irish Fest Says Farewell to Old Friends, The Elders
By Kevin Collison This weekend’s Kansas City Irish Fest, which kicks off tonight at Crown Center when The Maguire Brothers take the stage at 5 p.m., marks the end of an era in local music history. For the last time, one of the region’s most popular musical groups of any genre, The Elders, will take…
Nation’s First Daycare for Kids with Immune Deficiencies Planned Near Union Hill
By Kevin Collison What’s being described as the nation’s first licensed day care center for children with weakened immune systems is planned for donated space near Union Hill. RJ Children’s Haven is expected to be a place where children diagnosed with diseases that damage their immune system including cancer, genetic disorders and transplants can share…
Growing Beacon Hill Neighborhood Adding $16M Hotel to Mix
By Kevin Collison After a more than two-year effort, work on a new 92-room LaQuinta Del Sol hotel got its formal start Tuesday, the latest addition to the growing Beacon Hill neighborhood in the southeast corner of greater downtown. “We’re thrilled we finally got here,” developer John Hoffman said during a groundbreaking ceremony. “It took…