Kevin Collison
Publisher
Flatland contributor Kevin Collison is the founder of CityScene KC, an online source for downtown news and issues.
Stories by Kevin Collison
Ma Ma Ramen Latest Flavor on Grand’s Culinary Block
By Kevin Collison Ma Ma Ramen has opened at 1513 Grand, the latest entry in a burgeoning food and drink scene along that one-block stretch of the boulevard. In fact, the new ramen place is the second restaurant to be opened by Jack Zheng at that address. Six months ago, the Bay Area transplant launched…
Goodwill Selling Strategic East Crossroads Property on 18th Street
By Kevin Collison Goodwill is selling its former office, training and warehouse facility at 18th and Campbell, opening a strategic redevelopment opportunity between the East Crossroads and 18th & Vine Jazz District. The agency board has decided to sell the building its occupied for 80 years after recently relocating to new space nearby at 800…
River Market West II Apartments Welcomes First Residents
By Kevin Collison The River Market West II Apartments project on Fourth Street is expected to be completed by early April, about 2 1/2 years after the 120-unit development was granted tax incentives by the city. Work on the clubhouse, garage and first phase of the apartments is done, and residents are scheduled to begin…
Council Committee Wants Mayor to Appoint Panel to Study Local Police Control
By Kevin Collison The controversial issue of whether the Kansas City Police Department should be returned to local control got an hour-long hearing Wednesday at City Hall, but a recommendation was postponed until next week. The majority of the Council Finance, Governance and Public Safety Committee appeared to support a resolution by Councilwoman Melissa Robinson…
Seven Swans Crêperie Lands on Downtown’s Westside
By Kevin Collison Seven Swans Crêperie has landed at 17th and Washington, and owner Kate Bryan is thrilled to bring her café named after a Russian folk tale to life. “It’s just a dream,” she said. “I don’t have a culinary background, I was a home cook all my life. My work life and home…
Phikul Thai Bistro Taking Former Cascone’s Space in River Market
The owners of Baramee Thai Bistro in the Crossroads have discovered downtown has such a great appetite for their food that they’re opening a second place in the River Market. The new Phikul Thai Bistro is locating in the space where Cascone’s Grill occupied for more than 15 years at 15 E. Fifth St. next…
Guv Pledges Money, But Big Questions Remain for Buck O’Neil Bridge Project
By Kevin Collison Now that Gov. Parsons says the state will provide the final funding to replace the aging Buck O’Neil Bridge, the next big questions are exactly where it will be built and how much it will ultimately cost. MoDOT’s senior local official said Thursday the preferred alignment of the project should be determined…
KC Art Institute Toasts New Era with Residence Hall Opening
By Kevin Collison The Kansas City Art Institute celebrated a remarkable six-year turn around Wednesday at the grand opening of its new Barbara Marshall Residence Hall, part of a $30 million construction boom at the venerable campus. The 223-bed residence hall, student center and dining hall replaces an obsolete dorm built in 1972 and symbolizes…
Snooze Awakes in Westport
Snooze A.M. Eatery, the Denver-based breakfast chain, is beginning to stir in Westport with a special pop-up preview party this Sunday followed by the formal opening Feb. 5. The new restaurant at 4140 Broadway is partnering with Boulevard Brewing for “Bingo and Brunch” on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. It will feature the…
Waddell & Reed Project’s Lack of Sidewalk Appeal Gets Chilly Reception
By Kevin Collison The proposed design of the new Waddell & Reed downtown headquarters got a chilly reception at its first public hearing Monday, primarily for its lack of sidewalk appeal to passersby. The only-pedestrian oriented feature planned for the ground floor of the 18-story building at this point is a 3,000 square-foot public lobby…