“American Graduate: Getting to Work” Talks to Communities Seeking Firefighters
There’s an old saying that some folks run toward the fire, other folks don’t. Communities across the country are looking for more folks willing to run toward the fire. As part of the “American Graduate: Getting to Work” series, we spoke with firefighters about the rewards and challenges of public safety work. They noted that…
In Full Bloom
Kansas City’s embrace of green space dates back to the late 1800s, when famed landscape architect George Kessler laid out its system of parks and boulevards. A century later, in 1991, the local chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects and Kansas State University drew on Kessler’s inspiration to develop MetroGreen. The report, and…
The Story Behind Thomas Hart Benton’s “The Sources of Country Music”
An early scene in Ken Burns’ new “Country Music” documentary, now airing on KCPT, prominently features famed Kansas City artist Thomas Hart Benton’s “The Sources of Country Music.” Here’s the story behind the creation of the work, which is at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville. Enjoy the slide show below….
Artist Angel Otero Shares His ‘Diario’ at Kemper Museum
Angel Otero routinely punctuates his sentences with “it’s dope” and a chuckle. The 38-year-old artist from Santurce, Puerto Rico, is larger than life, but his mixed-media installation “Diario” at the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art is even larger. It’s his largest work to date. The commissioned work is the fourth in the museum’s Atrium Project…
Historic Board of Ed Building Sold to Copaken Brooks, Demolition Likely
By Kevin Collison The former Board of Education building at 1211 McGee has been sold by the school district to downtown real estate powerhouse Copaken Brooks in a transaction that closed last week. Jon Copaken, principal of the firm, said that while there are no immediate development plans for the 2.5-acre site next door to…
Historic Scarritt Building and Arcade Slated as $50M Luxury Hotel
By Kevin Collison One of downtown’s most historic and architecturally impressive buildings, the Scarritt, has been purchased by a Florida developer who plans to renovate it as a 193-room Wyndham Grand hotel. The 11-story Scarritt office tower at 818 Grand and its adjoining four-level Arcade, which has its entrance at 819 Walnut, were completed in…
Climate Change’s Serious Effects On Kansas Citians Disproportionately Affect The Poor
The discussion about climate change often centers on what increasingly extreme weather will mean for agriculture and the environment. But what about its effect on poverty?
Académie Lafayette Opening IB High School at Armour Campus Next Fall
By Kevin Collison Académie Lafayette is opening an International Baccalaureate high school at 201 E. Armour in Midtown, accomplishing a goal the French-immersion charter school program established when it started 20 years ago. “This is the fulfillment of a dream, our vision,” said M. Elimane Mbengue, head of the school. “Every year, our parents had…
Backyards to Big Time: The Cornhole Craze in Kansas City
Founded in 2006, Kansas City Cornhole existed quietly until recently, when the sport half-hilariously was thrust into the niche-sports spotlight, including ESPN.
Room 39 Carves Out Its Identity
“Describing Room 39 has been difficult for us through the years,” recalls Ted Habiger, chef and co-owner of the 39th Street fixture.
Low-Income Housing Project to Serve Homeless, Young Adults with HIV/AIDS
By Kevin Collison A 50-unit apartment project that will set aside one-fourth of its units for homeless, young adults diagnosed with HIV/AIDS is planned for 31st and Harrison streets, about a block west of a reviving stretch of Troost Avenue. The $8.5 million project, called Alhaven, is being developed to serve low-income residents by SAVE,…
Kansas City’s Leading Role in Ken Burns’ “Country Music”
Kansas City is a jazz town — just ask anybody! So how did KC manage to be featured so prominently in Ken Burns’ new documentary on the history of country music? It’s not exactly coincidence. Dayton Duncan, the longtime collaborator with Burns on “The Dust Bowl”, “The National Parks” and other PBS projects, has spent…
Weekend Possibilities | KC Beer Fest, American Royal World Series of Barbecue, And Fiesta Hispana
Kansas City’s weekend possibilities in the American Royal World Series of Barbecue, KC Beer Fest and KC Fiesta Hispana
Climate Summit Coming to Overland Park on Saturday
About 500 community leaders, students, educators, organizers and 30 experts will gather in Overland Park on Saturday to discuss climate change and its local impact. Climate Action KC organized the one-day summit at Johnson County Community College to highlight climate issues and explore solutions. Organizers want to show how regional efforts can affect climate change….
Latino Arts Festival Celebrates Vibrant Culture
The Kansas City area’s Chicanx culture is a fusion of tradition and art. This fusion took center stage at the Latino Arts Festival on Saturday. Horses nodded and pranced to the beat of banda on the grassy side of Bethany Park in Kansas City, Kansas. Lowriders lined the street close by, hoods agape, chrome shining…