Civic Affairs
Historic Scarritt Up for Auction, Renovation Plan Collapses
By Kevin Collison In a setback to historic preservation, a $50 million plan to redevelop the 115 year-old Scarritt office tower and adjoining Arcade apparently has collapsed and the buildings are scheduled to be sold at auction next month. The 11-story tower at 818 Grand and its four-story Arcade at 819 Walnut are set to…
Read MoreWith Longtime Goal Close, Downtown Council Goes Quiet on Ballpark
By Kevin Collison The biggest and loudest civic cheerleader for a downtown ballpark for almost 20 years has gone quiet as its goal becomes achingly close, choosing instead to work behind the scenes. The Downtown Council, downtown’s premier private advocate, has embraced more low-profile tactics including enlisting corporate leaders to write letters of support and…
Read MoreKC Homeless Center Scores $50K Game Day Gift from NFL, Little Caesars
By Kevin Collison It was the kind of pre-game Chiefs gathering that occurred all around Kansas City Thursday, people munching pizza, getting pumped with loud DJ music and even a guest appearance by KC Wolf. But this one had a surprise delivered by the NFL and Little Caesars, a $50,000 donation to the Downtown Community…
Read MoreLocal Plaza Backers See Silver Lining in Ownership Default
By Kevin Collison The owners of the Country Club Plaza’s default on their loan has raised the possibility of new management and lifted hopes of Plaza advocates about the future of the venerable shopping district. “For now, I am choosing to be optimistic that a new owner will bring new energy and abundant resources to…
Read MoreAffordable Apartments in Way of Potential East Village Ballpark
By Kevin Collison In a twist on the story line the East Village sorely needs investment, the only project built there since it was designated a redevelopment zone in 2005 would need to be demolished if the Royals choose it for their ballpark. And Community Builders of Kansas City wants to leverage that affordable apartment…
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