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
Modern Society Adds Stylish Retail Option to Crossroads
By Kevin Collison The fledgling Crossroads retail scene–and downtown in general–is gaining a stylish clothing shop with the opening of Modern Society on the ground level of the new ARTerra apartment tower. “This is the demographic for us, the young professionals,” said co-owner Bryan Pena. “It’s a close community with a lot of apartments, including…
‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ Winding Down Run at The Arts Asylum
By Kevin Collison The Arts Asylum production of “Jesus Christ Superstar” has two weekends left in its current run and backers say the show’s first fully-staged Kansas City production in a generation has been well received. “It’s one of the larger productions in terms of cast and performances and we’ve been working on it for…
First Friday Hopes to Create New Tradition with Alley Art
By Kevin Collison After hitting the reset button last month, this week’s First Friday in the Crossroads is returning art vendors to the mix in what organizers hope will become a new tradition. “We’re going to have all the art vendors in some of our cool alleyways,” said Jeff Owens, president of the Crossroads Community…
Mildred’s New Central Downtown Location Now Open on Baltimore
By Kevin Collison Mildred’s has opened at 908 Baltimore, leaving its original location inside the Ten Main Center office tower for a more visible, pedestrian-friendly spot in the old La Rue Building. The popular coffee shop and cafe originally started downtown in Ten Main long before it opened its better-known second location in the Crossroads…
Westside Flats Residential Development Nearing Completion
By Kevin Collison Westside Flats, a $10 million, 33-unit residential project at 17th and Madison, is nearing completion after a larger plan was dropped three years ago because of neighborhood criticism. “We are excited to be part of the community and neighborhood,” said Austin Bradley, vice president of development for EPC Real Estate. “It’s been…
Pirate’s Bone Burger ‘Plants’ its Flag in Crossroads
(Editor’s note: this story originally appeared Sept. 27, 2019, it’s part of an occasional reminder of businesses that have opened along the streetcar line) By Kevin Collison Pirate’s Bone Burger, the newly-opened Crossroads diner, has nothing to do with pirates, definitely not bones, and when it comes to burgers, don’t go in expecting a greasy…
Retiring City Manager Troy Schulte Reflects on Downtown’s Revival and Future
(Editor’s note: City Manager Troy Schulte announced this week he plans to retire in February after serving 10 years in the job. He was given an opportunity to speak to the Downtown Council’s 3rd Annual Office Summit Wednesday. Schulte reflected on what’s been accomplished downtown during his tenure and what he’d like to see moving…
Sponsored Post: Kansas City – Not Silicon Valley – Can Define Workplace Design
The following article was produced and paid for by Helix Architecture + Design: The open office debate, catalyzed by a (perhaps infamous) Washington Post piece, has made headlines for more than five years. Often seen as a trademark of the tech industry, the open office has been broadly implemented to varying degrees of success. It…
Port KC Steams Ahead on Riverfront Projects, Charts New Boundaries
By Kevin Collison Reviving the riverfront and retreating from providing incentives in what was described as the “central business corridor” were major topics at the Port KC meeting Monday. The board approved supporting a $15 million affordable apartment project planned near Berkley Riverfront Park. The Bridgeside Lofts project planned by Prairie Fire Development is part…
Downtown Marriott Upgrades Rooms, Adds Tech Features
By Kevin Collison The Kansas City Marriott Downtown has completed a $44 million upgrade of its 970 guest rooms, preparing for the new competition and opportunity checking in next year when the Loews convention hotel opens. Cynthia Savage, vice president of the Raphael Hotel Group, operator of the Marriott Downtown, believes downtown is well poised…