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
Chef Brings 40-Years of Restaurant Seasoning to Union On The Hill
(Editor’s note: This article originally was published March 16, 2023) By Kevin Collison George Atsangbe has been corporate chef at some of the better known names in the local restaurant world including Houlihan’s and Bread and Butter Concepts for 40 years. So the native of Nigeria knew exactly what he wanted to do when he…
Waterbird Coffee Pours in Heart of Government District
(Editor’s note: This article originally was published March 14, 2023) By Kevin Collison A new coffee shop has found a nest in the middle of the government district at 12th and McGee, providing a caffeine jolt to help boost public employees–and other customers– through their day. Waterbird Coffee set up shop in a long vacant…
Wellness Center Planned for Former Wendell Phillips School Near 18th & Vine
(Editor’s note: This article originally was published March 13, 2023) By Kevin Collison The former Wendell Phillips school near the 18th & Vine District is slated to become a community wellness center serving the neighborhood and a new affordable housing project planned across the street. Urban Catalyst Inc. has acquired the school at 24th and…
Crossroads Food Stop Offers World Cuisine–To Go
(Editor’s note: This article originally was published March 10, 2023) By Kevin Collison There’s an international food festival occurring in a quiet corner of the East Crossroads several blocks removed from the microbrewery scene and if it’s hard to find, don’t worry, it’s already well known to Door Dash and Uber Eats drivers. The Crossroads…
Ziplines, Aerial Park Envisioned for Hy-Vee Arena ‘Space Frame’
(Editor’s note: This article originally was published Feb. 17, 2023) By Kevin Collison When Helmut Jahn designed the unique, external framework supporting the roof at the former Kemper Arena 50 years ago, it’s doubtful he imagined it hosting an aerial park someday. But that’s just what Brad McDonald has in mind for the renowned German…
Late Summer Start for Big Apartment Project at Trinity Lutheran Site
(Editor’s note: This article originally was published Feb. 13, 2023) Construction is expected to begin in late summer on a $130 million apartment project at 31st and Main that will add 385 apartments along the new streetcar extension. NorthPoint Development is building the project which will not only raze the derelict former Trinity Lutheran Hospital,…
East-West Streetcar Could Cost $600M, Need New Funding Source
(Editor’s note: This article originally was published Feb. 10, 2023) By Kevin Collison Kansas City has reached the end of the track when it comes to expanding its streetcar system unless it adopts a broader approach to local funding, according to a new study exploring a potential east-west route. It would cost $450- to $600…
New Bakery, Enchanté, Joins French Culinary Corner at Main and Westport
(Editor’s note: This article originally was published Feb. 1, 2023) By Kevin Collison The one-woman Frenchification of the angled intersection where Westport Road meets Main Street has an enticing new aroma, this one drifting from The Bakery, Enchanté. Heather White opened her French brasserie Tailleur at 3933 Main in August 2021 and her Parisian dessert…
Historic Muehlebach Hotel Bar Reopening After 40 Years
(Editor’s note: This article originally was published Jan. 31, 2023) By Kevin Collison The former Rendezvous bar in the historic Muehlebach Hotel, a luxurious watering hole where Truman Capote once worked on “In Cold Blood” and bygone businessmen talked deals over whiskeys and cigars, is reopening soon as the Voo Lounge. The old bar at…
Four Former KC Mayors Talk Shop at Plaza Library Event
(Editor’s note: This article originally was published Jan. 30, 2023) By Kevin Collison It was a unique gathering last week when four former KC mayors discussed the perennial issues confronting the occupant of City Hall’s 29th floor including crime, East Side redevelopment, affordable housing and Jefferson City. The executive quartet brought together at the Plaza…