CitySceneKC
Mending Our Broken Heart: With Region’s Health at Stake, Leaders Seek Downtown Rebirth
“Downtown KC: Mending Our Broken Heart,” was a groundbreaking series originally published by The Kansas City Star 20 years ago this month. It was written by former staffers Jeffrey Spivak, Kevin Collison and Steve Paul, with photographs by Rich Suggs. It was edited by former deputy national editor Keith Chrostowski. CityScene KC thanks The Kansas City…
Omaha Postcard: Big Downtown Park Overhaul Shows How to Attract People
By Kevin Collison We have one restless, striving neighbor to our north. In July, Omaha finished the first phase of a $325 million overhaul of its downtown and riverfront parks, and what’s occurring 200 miles upriver offers an important lesson for Kansas City. First a little contemporary history lesson, one that I witnessed while attending…
KC Southern Still on Track for Possible Downtown HQ Expansion
By Kevin Collison The possibility Kansas City Southern could expand its downtown headquarters is picking up steam with the city seeking development proposals for property it owns adjacent to the railroad at 12th and Broadway. “We see tremendous potential at that site for a high-density, mixed-use development,” City Manager Brian Platt said. “It could be…
It’s Official: Blue Cross Relocating HQ to 1400KC, Former Waddell Project
By Kevin Collison Blue Cross Blue Shield is relocating its headquarters and more than 1,000 employees a half-mile north to occupy the 18-story office tower originally built for Waddell & Reed at 14th and Baltimore, company officials announced today. The move, long speculated after the Waddell deal collapsed when the firm was sold in late…
Developer Pitches Plan to Replace Oldest Building on Main with High-Rise
(UPDATED Sept. 20: The City Plan Commission voted 5-1 to endorse landmark status for the 31st and Main properties. The proposed designation now goes to the full City Council for final review.) By Kevin Collison The owner of the historic Jeserich Building at 31st and Main, which the city wants declared a landmark, launched a…