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
Orangetheory Fitness Opening Soon in Crossroads
By Kevin Collison Orangetheory Fitness, the Florida-based exercise chain, is opening its 11th franchise in Metro KC in the Crossroads’s space formerly occupied by The Sundry at 1706 Baltimore. Rebecca Boresow, co-owner of the fitness center, said she and her partner Darrin McDonald believe downtown is ready for the franchise’s individualized, heart-rate based exercise program….
Proposed Pedestrian/Bicycle Span to Downtown Riverfront Well-Received
By Kevin Collison The latest design for a proposed bicycle/pedestrian bridge to Berkley Riverfront Park was warmly received last week but people will have to chill a little longer to learn how the project could be financed. Port KC hosted the public meeting on the ped/bike span, part of the larger plan to use the…
Baramee Thai Bistro Brings Heat to Crossroads
By Kevin Collison Crossroads diners beware, here’s an insider warning to the new Baramee Thai Bistro that just opened in the former Pizzabella space at 1810 Baltimore: don’t order your first dish hot. “I recommend starting mild,” said co-owner Douglas Hoffman. “For 90 percent of the people, medium is good for them.” He looked over…
Keystone Innovation District Concept Taking Shape, Big Civic Endeavor at 18th and Troost
By Kevin Collison The Keystone Innovation District proposal took its first concrete step recently when backers signed a predevelopment agreement for the planned site of the $90 million-plus endeavor at 18th and Troost. A development entity established by J.E. Dunn Construction reached the agreement with the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority, which owns the block…
Loews Exec Calls for Decking South Loop at Downtown Council Event
By Kevin Collison Loews Hotel Chairman Jonathan Tisch strongly backed an ambitious plan to deck part of the South Loop where it slices through downtown at the annual luncheon of the Downtown Council Thursday. “When I think about a big idea, it’s right outside this convention center and that is a cap over the highway,”…
Armour Crossing Development Increases Parking But Some Neighbors Want More
By Kevin Collison MAC Properties has expanded the development site of its planned $78 million Armour Crossing apartment to provide more parking, but is still facing pushback from some neighbors on the issue. The Chicago-based developer plans to build 340 apartments and 27,000 square feet of retail in several structures on the four corners of…
Alma Mader Brewing Brings Taste of Pacific Northwest to Kansas City
(Editor’s note: Alma Mader opened for business in mid-April 2019) By Kevin Collison With a place called Alma Mader Brewing, it’s appropriate that Nick Mader may be the best educated new microbrewer to join KC’s booming craft beer scene. Mader not only has the academic chops, he received his master’s in brewing from Heriot Watt…
Copaken Brooks Starts Work on Crossroads Apartment Tower
Construction of a 14-story apartment tower called REVERB at 18th and Walnut kicked off Monday, according to a release from Copaken Brooks. The $40 million project, first reported last June by CityScene KC, is expected to be completed in the summer of 2020. Copaken Brooks said local engineering firm Burns & McDonnell will partner to…
Power & Light District Hosts Big Downtown Chiefs Rally Today
Editor’s note: This information provided courtesy of the KC Power & Light District. Sports Radio 810, Heartland Coca-Cola and The Kansas City Power & Light District invite Chiefs fans to a free pre-game celebration in Kansas City Live! today. Festivities begin at 5 p.m. and include giveaways, contests and appearances by KC Wolf, Chiefs Cheerleaders and Chiefs…
AT&T Leaving Downtown, Selling Building; Prospective New Owner Plans Major Renovation
By Kevin Collison AT&T is shutting down operations at its 13-story downtown headquarters at 500 E. Eighth St., and has an agreement to sell it to a new owner who plans to redevelop the property. Maxus Properties of North Kansas City anticipates closing its purchase next month on the 362,000 square-foot building that opened in…