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
Next Kansas City Mayor Needs to Keep the Line Moving Downtown
COMMENTARY After decades of neglect, downtown is relevant again to the metro and that’s vital not only for the well-being of our city as it competes nationally for talent and investment, but for its nearby neighborhoods as well, particularly the East Side. Back in 2002, when The Kansas City Star, did an important series on downtown…
Stonehenge Dropping at Union Station, Follows Big Dinosaur Success
Union Station is going back in time again for its next major exhibition, although not as far as its hugely successful “Dinosaurs Revealed!” show that closed last weekend after attracting 165,000 visitors. “Stonehenge: Ancient Mysteries and Modern Discoveries” will explore the massive and mystical stone structure built beginning 5,000 years ago in the English countryside…
Streetcar Extension Plan Wins Key Support From Federal Agency
By Kevin Collison Federal transit officials have rated the Kansas City Streetcar Authority’s $151.6 million funding application “medium high,” a vital step toward building the planned extension from downtown to UMKC. While the Federal Transit Administration rating doesn’t guarantee funding in the pending federal budget, anything below a medium rating would have killed the project’s…
Harvey’s Whistle Stop Market Opens at Union Station
By Kevin Collison Harvey’s at Union Station has opened a new food outlet geared toward satisfying the appetites of younger families with kids and other visitors who want to grab a quick, easy bite to eat. The new Harvey’s Whistle Stop Market is located in space formerly occupied by a delicatessen next to the full-service…
Mac Plans to Renovate Former Red Cross Building Into Apartments
By Kevin Collison Mac Properties plans to renovate the former American Red Cross building at 211 W. Armour Blvd. into 61 apartments, the latest installment in the firm’s ongoing transformation of the Armour corridor in midtown. The proposed $11.7 million project would expand the Chicago-based firm’s apartment portfolio along Armour. Over the past decade, Mac has…
City Seeks Proposals for Big Overhaul of Barney Allis Plaza and Garage
By Kevin Collison The city is seeking proposals for a major overhaul of Barney Allis Plaza and its garage, following up on a study that described the square in the heart of downtown as a “forlorn stretch of grass and asphalt.” A request for proposals has been released by the City Manager’s Office with responses…
Westin Hopes New Lobby Bar and Restaurant Becomes City Destination
By Kevin Collison The Westin Crown Center, a downtown hospitality fixture since 1973, has completely renovated its former lobby restaurant and bar with an eye toward matching the wide appeal of a hip, new upstart in the Crossroads. “We hope to have the same impact as the Crossroads Hotel,” said Charles Barr, chef de cuisine….
West Bottoms Flats Begins Work, First to Tackle Trademark Old Warehouses
By Kevin Collison Construction is underway on the $65 million West Bottoms Flats apartment project, the biggest investment to date in the historic warehouse district that until now has been the domain of low-key users such as antique dealers, artists and haunted houses. On a blustery, rainy day last week, about 50 people gathered under…
Mayoral Candidates Talk Downtown: Councilman Jermaine Reed
Editor’s note: Kansas City voters are preparing to elect a new mayor to replace Mayor Sly James, who has reached the end of his two-term limit. The mayoral primary will be April 2 followed by the general election on June 18. CityScene KC has reached out to the leading candidates for their opinions on…
New Downtown Hampton Features Balconies, Streetcar-Savvy Starbucks
By Kevin Collison The new Hampton by Hilton opening soon on the northeast corner of 16th and Main already has booked a high-profile guest, a full-service Starbucks by the streetcar station. The $25 million, 132-room hotel is expected to open later this month or early April. The South Carolina developer had hoped to have it…