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
Porter Teleo Designs for the World from East Crossroads
By Kevin Collison Porter Teleo, an international wallpaper and fabric design firm, got its start 15 years ago when two dynamic women met for coffee at the former “Andrew Drips” on the Westside. “We had common interests in art and design, and we were both willing to work like dogs,” Kelly Porter recalled. “We weren’t…
New Owner of City Center Square Seeks Incentives for Major Overhaul
(Updated Feb. 25: The Port KC board unanimously endorsed incentives for the $85 million redevelopment of the former City Square Building. Michael Collins of J.E. Dunn said development cost estimate includes acquisition, renovation and other expenses. Some of the work may be completed by the end of the year.) By Kevin Collison The new owner…
Cupid’s Arrow Points Downtown for Valentine’s Day
By Brian McTavish A key to a successful Valentine’s Day date? Location (lub-dub). Location (lub-dub). Location (lub-dub). It’s why the beating heart of downtown Kansas City will prove an especially attractive destination for couples with Cupid on their minds – from first-date flirters to veteran sweethearts still celebrating the cherub’s true aim. Certainly, there are…
RE Relocates to Westside
By Kevin Collison RE aka Restoration Emporium has relocated from the West Bottoms to 1717 Washington St. opening a combination retail and workshop for its home furnishings and decor operation. Josh Huff said the family business had to leave its home of several years in the Bottoms at 1300 Liberty after the building was sold….
East Crossroads Record Shops Play Well Together
By Brian McTavish It was summer 2015 when Josey Records, a small Dallas-based chain, and tiny indie Revolution Records opened almost around the corner from one another in the East Crossroads. Scratching for then-scarce foot traffic, either record store might have viewed the other as an enemy to be ignored or outright vanquished in the…
Sequence Climb Draws Swinging Crowd to Crossroads Opening
By Kevin Collison Sequence Climb threw a grand opening party last weekend that drew almost 500 people to cling and swing over its 10,000 square-feet of climbing surfaces. “The community has rallied around us and we’ve made a ton of good friends,” said co-owner Graham Hess. “There’s been a huge outpouring of support from a…
Plan Commission Rejects Plaza Bowl Height Restrictions, City Council Next Stop
Editor’s note: Despite the Plan Commission recommendation, the Kansas City Council voted unanimously to approve the Plaza Bowl mandatory height restrictions at its meeting Thursday, Feb.14.) By Kevin Collison A proposal to mandate height restrictions on development in the core of the Country Club Plaza, the so-called “Plaza Bowl” plan, was rejected unanimously Tuesday by the…
Guy Fieri Opens Roadhouse-Style Restaurant at KC Live!
Food Network celebrity Guy Fieri’s new restaurant at the Power & Light District has opened, just in time to serve up tacos and cocktails to fans attending the Big 12 Men’s Basketball Tournament in mid-March. “Guy Fieri’s Dive & Taco Joint” is being designed to resemble an American roadhouse joint, according to a press release….
Embassy Suites Project Underway in Former Federal Reserve Building
By Kevin Collison The redevelopment of the historic Kansas City Federal Reserve building into a 301-room Embassy Suites by Hilton hotel is finally on after a decade of false starts with completion expected in May 2020. The project, which is restoring one of downtown’s last remaining landmark buildings, has a new entity coordinating its construction…
Chef Michael Smith’s Farina Brings ‘Love on the Plate’ to Crossroads
By Jill Wendholt Silva The beggar’s purse is back. If you missed the first incarnation of the chive-tied crepe bundle filled with caviar and crème, head to the Tuesday opening of Farina for James Beard award-winning chef Michael Smith’s nod to this iconic ‘80s dish. That is if you can grab a table anytime soon…