Development
Conversion of Historic Ozark Building to Hotel Begins at Ninth and Grand
(Editor’s note: This article originally appeared in CityScene Oct. 18, 2021) By Kevin Collison Preliminary demolition work has begun on converting the historic Ozark building at Ninth and Grand into a 249-room AC Hotels by Marriott with completion anticipated in about two years. “In terms of historic buildings, I think it’s in exceptional condition,” said…
Big West Bottoms Redevelopment Plan Backed by City, Stirs Fears of Some Neighbors
By Kevin Collison SomeraRoad’s ambitious proposal to transform a sleepy section of the West Bottoms into a “dynamic” mixed-use district has strong support from City Hall but awakened worries of some longtime denizens. In recent weeks, the zoning change required for the sweeping redevelopment concept by the New York developer has received unanimous approval from…
Blue KC Buys 5-Acre Lot From Union Station, ‘Flexibility’ for HQ Decision
By Kevin Collison Blue KC has purchased a five-acre parking lot owned by Union Station adjoining its offices on Main street, a move that will allow the health insurance firm more flexibility as it anticipates the future of its headquarters. The strategic property north of Washington Square Park and south of the Kansas City Terminal…
Commission Backs Landmark Protection for Buildings at 31st and Main
By Kevin Collison A unanimous recommendation last week that several endangered buildings at 31st and Main be declared local landmarks has City Councilwoman Katheryn Shields encouraged about preventing their demolition. The Historic Preservation Commission voted 6-0 to support the properties, including the prominent Jeserich Building (1888) at 3041-45 Main, be spared demolition by developer Doug…
Lux Living Takes Over Freight House Village, Plans 250-Unit Apartment Project
By Kevin Collison Lux Living has taken over the Freight House Village redevelopment plan from its previous developer and wants to build a $60 million project that would include 250 apartments and about 10 townhouses. The development is proposed for the south side of Walnut Street between 20th and 21st streets and already has been…