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
Jackson County Balks at Starting Royals Downtown Ballpark Talks
By Kevin Collison Last month, Royals owner John Sherman expressed frustration about “waiting on a few people” who didn’t share the team’s urgency about negotiating a downtown ballpark deal. Turns out, that negotiating ball has literally been in Jackson County’s court since at least mid-June, according to senior-level sources close to the concept with the…
Royals Stadium Negotiations at Standstill With Jackson County
The Kansas City Royals are frustrated by Jackson County Executive Frank White's slow response to a "term sheet" for a new downtown ballpark plan sent in June.
Columbus Park Townhome Project to Test Demand for Upscale Housing
By Kevin Collison Work has begun on a residential project in the Columbus Park neighborhood that is expected to fetch sales prices in the mid-$600,000 range for three-bedroom townhomes. The project by DAK Pacific LLC is being built on a small triangular site at 1015 Pacific St. near a freeway ramp that’s been vacant at…
Crossroads Pursues Improvement District to Improve Security, Landscaping
By Kevin Collison The Crossroads Community Association has launched a long-anticipated drive to establish a community improvement district that’s intended to increase security, improve landscaping and reduce trash and graffiti in the popular downtown neighborhood. The effort comes after many years of spirited debate and signals how the district of older industrial buildings has evolved…
Lux Seeks $34.1M for Tower Next to Power & Light Building
Lux Living is seeking $34.1 million in tax breaks to assist its proposed apartment and hotel tower next to the Power & Light Building in downtown Kansas City.
Lux’s Big Downtown Apartment-Hotel Tower Seeks $34.1M in Incentives
By Kevin Collison Lux Living’s big apartment and hotel proposal at 14th and Wyandotte now has a price tag and public ask. The 27-story tower would cost an estimate $194.5 million and is seeking a $34.1 million tax incentive package. It includes asking for a 20-year property tax reduction, according to documents filed with a…
Plaza Area Council Now Official, Plans to Boost District’s Next Century
(Editor’s note: This article originally was published Jan. 11, 2023) By Kevin Collison A new civic effort to shepherd the Country Club Plaza and environs into its second 100 years has organized as a nonprofit, and plans to hire staff and begin pursuing its goals by the end of the year. What’s called the Plaza…
City Manager Outlines Big Downtown Agenda at Three Light Event
(Editor’s note: This article originally was published March 22, 2023) By Kevin Collison They were topping off the $140 million Three Light project Tuesday, but big downtown investments are far from over, according to City Manager Brian Platt. In a wide-ranging interview following the ceremony for the 26-story apartment project scheduled to open in September,…
Wolfepack BBQ Sets Up Smoker in Columbus Park
(Editor’s note: This article originally was published Jan. 12, 2023) By Kevin Collison A well-known Columbus Park landmark is reopening this spring as Wolfepack BBQ and its owners first order of business is soothing the neighborhood indigestion caused by its previous operator. “We want to have a neighborhood welcoming day to start things off on…
Late Summer Opening Anticipated for Strang Food Hall at Plaza
(Editor’s note: This article originally was published March 20, 2023) By Kevin Collison The new Strang Chef Collective food hall planned for the Cascade Hotel being just north of the Country Club Plaza is considered by its operator a “bullish” vote of confidence in the venerable shopping district. “We’ve always targeted the Plaza as an…