Civic Affairs
New Voice for Growing Downtown Residential Community
By Kevin Collison If the residents of greater downtown could elect their own mayor, Jared Campbell would likely be a top candidate. Campbell moved to Quality Hill in 2002 after graduating from William Jewell College, met his future wife in the elevator of their apartment building, helped start the Downtown Neighborhood Association, and has been…
Community Christian Sparks Campaign to Rekindle ‘Steeple of Light’
By Kevin Collison Community Christian Church has been baptized officially as a historic building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, a designation that’s sparking a fundraising campaign to rekindle its signature “Steeple of Light.” The church at 4601 Main is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, part of a strategy to revitalize the…
Plaza Building Morphing from Angry Graffiti to Hopeful Murals
By Kevin Collison A Plaza-area building tagged with graffiti during the George Floyd protests in late May is being transformed from what was a lingering eyesore to a five-story canvas for street art celebrating unity. “I wanted to take those messages left in anger, which I understand, and put it in a positive light,” said…
KC a National Leader Converting Old Buildings to Apartments
By Kevin Collison Kansas City ranks among the top 10 cities in the country when it comes to converting older buildings to apartments, the large majority of them downtown office towers, according to a new report by RENTCafé. The report by the national real estate research firm found 43 buildings in Kanas City have been…
Plan Calls for Historic Boone Theater to be Media Hub for 18th & Vine
By Kevin Collison The historic Boone Theater in the 18th & Vine District would be redeveloped as a media and entertainment center under a proposal backed by several influential Kansas City businesses and civic leaders. The vacant theater would be restored by the Vine St. Collaborative with the support of firms including J.E. Construction and…