Ambitious $95M Redevelopment Plan for Former KC Star Includes New Marketplace, Underground Parking

By | July 26, 2018 |

By Kevin Collison (Update: The development agreement was approved unanimously by City Council Thursday) A $95 million redevelopment plan for the former Kansas City Star property that includes renovating the historic structure, and building a boutique grocery store and marketplace above a 500-space underground garage has cleared its first hurdle at City Hall. Developer Vincent…

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New 21c Museum Hotel Kansas City Wraps Hospitality Around Art

By | July 18, 2018 |

(Updated July 31: AccorHotels, a French firm, has acquired 21cMuseum Hotels, paying $51 million to purchase 85 percent of the firm. 21c founders Laura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson will retain a 15 percent ownership share. AccorHotels owns 4,000 hotels throughout the world making it the largest hotel group outside the United States.) By Kevin…

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Bird Arrives Downtown, ‘Lil Lectric’ Scooters Not Without Controversy

By | July 12, 2018 |

By Kevin Collison The Bird quietly scooted into downtown Kansas City Wednesday, a new smartphone-based personal transportation method that like its predecessors Lyft and Uber, is not without controversy elsewhere. The dock-free electric scooters, which are rented using a smartphone app, are billed as an ideal way for people to roll that last few blocks…

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Three Downtown Sites Pitched for UMKC Conservatory, Westport H.S. Also Candidate

By | July 5, 2018 |

By Kevin Collison At least three downtown locations are being pitched for the proposed UMKC Conservatory, including Barney Allis Plaza, according to Downtown Council officials, and the former Westport High School also has emerged as a potential midtown site. “It’s a beautiful facility,” said David Brain, a partner in KC Sustainable Development Partners, the owner…

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