Downtown UMKC Arts Campus Idea Revived, Barney Allis Plaza in the Mix

By Kevin Collison The possibility of a UMKC arts campus in downtown Kansas City is being floated again and this time Barney Allis Plaza is the apparent preferred candidate. University of Missouri-Kansas City officials announced Thursday they will seek proposals, described as a “request for interest (RFI),” for a new arts facility that would house…

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Embassy Suites Anticipates Mid-2020 Opening in Old Federal Reserve

By Kevin Collison The long-awaited redevelopment of the historic Federal Reserve Bank building into a 321-room Embassy Suites hotel is back on track and is expected to start interior remediation soon, according to its Colorado-based developer. “It’s been a long, difficult process that’s now come to a head and we’re ready to go,” said Jeff…

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Fall Completion Expected for $65M Traders Apartment Redevelopment

By Kevin Collison A $65 million redevelopment of the historic Traders National Bank Building at 1125 Grand into 201 apartments is expected to be completed this fall. Sunflower Development Group and Block Real Estate Services are co-developers. Their project is transforming the 21-story building into a mix of studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments capped by…

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Landmark Western Auto Sign to Dazzle Downtown Skyline Again

(Updated June 25) The landmark Western Auto sign is scheduled to light up the skyline again on again July 13, according to a release today from building’s homeowner’s association and Copaken Brooks. If you’re looking for a souvenir, the old light bulbs from the sign will be available for purchase on July 9. For more…

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J. Rieger Pursuing Ambitious ‘Electric Park’ Project in East Bottoms

By Kevin Collison The co-founder of Jacob Rieger & Co. distillery is pursuing a visionary concept to renovate the historic Heim Brewery Building in the East Bottoms as a catalyst to re-energize the old Electric Park area. The $11.3 million redevelopment proposal being pursued by Andy Rieger tentatively calls for the brick building at 507…

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