Civic Affairs
FBI Downtown HQ in Play, Northland Site Pitched
By Kevin Collison The Kansas City regional FBI office, a downtown fixture since at least 1920, is investigating a new home and is being pitched on a Northland site, although other location offers are expected including the downtown riverfront. The agency, which is currently housed in a fortress-like setting at 1300 Summit, is seeking what…
Shriners, Baptists Cancel Big KC Conventions Because of Covid
By Kevin Collison Two major conventions scheduled to come to downtown Kansas City this summer, the Shriners International and National Baptists, have cancelled because of the Covid-19 pandemic, an estimated $30 million blow to the local economy. During a sobering briefing to the Downtown Council board Thursday, Jason Fulvi, president and CEO of Visit KC,…
Committee Shelves Barney Allis Plaza Rebuild Plan, Endorses Short-Term Fix
(Updated July 9, 2020. An effort to revive the planning process for redeveloping Barney Allis Plaza failed Wednesday when the Finance Committee split 3-3 on a motion by Councilwoman Heather Hall to have the matter brought back to the Council. Committee members Hall, Katheryn Shields and Melissa Robins voted in favor of reviving the issue….
Pioneering Daycare for Kids with Weakened Immunity Close to Start
By Kevin Collison Construction is expected to begin this September on what’s being described as the nation’s first licensed day care center for children with weakened immune systems in a rent-free building near Hospital Hill. The RJ Children’s Haven project at 2924 Cherry St. has been in the works for two years, and developers and…
Downtown Food Drive Launched to Help During Covid Crisis
The Downtown Council Community Improvement District is collecting food donations throughout May to help replenish smaller food pantries serving families and individuals affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The FEED KC program allows donors, either downtown businesses or residents, to text the Ambassadors of the Downtown CID who’ll then come to their location and pick up…