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
Former Segregated School Opening Soon as Major Art Center
By Kevin Collison Kansas City’s newest cultural institution, the Zhou B. Art Center, is expected to open before the end of the year, repurposing a former segregated public school into a creative hub in the 18th and Vine District. “It’s important to Kansas City,” said Allan Gray, who is partnering with renowned Chicago artists ShanZuo…
Major Art Center Opening Soon Near 18th and Vine
The Zhou B. Art Center is expected to open later this year, repurposing a former segregated public school into a creative hub in the 18th and Vine District.
Apartments Proposed for City Property Near 18th and Vine
By Kevin Collison Another apartment project may be in the works for the 18th and Vine District, this one a potential 195-unit proposal that would be built by Grayson Capital on the east side of Lydia between 18th and 19th streets. Grayson won approval last week from the City Council to negotiate a deal to…
More Apartments Coming Near 18th and Vine
Grayson Capital has proposed building a 195-unit apartment project on a city-owned parking lot near 18th and Vine. The project includes a small retail building.
Vested Coffee Brews Onyx and Hospitality in City Core
By Kevin Collison On the surface, Vested Coffee takes its name from its location in the Garment District, an item produced as part of the huge clothing industry once centered in the historic area. But the coffee shop at 310 W. Eighth St. and its companion outlet on Troost in the 2501 Beacon Hill apartment…
Arizona Trading Co. Opening in East Crossroads
By Kevin Collison Arizona Trading Co. is opening its biggest store in the East Crossroads this summer and for co-owner Venus Nichols, it’s a return to familiar territory. “It’s such a wonderful place,” she said. “I used to perform with a band (Stretchmarks) at The Brick. There’s was nothing there back then. To see the…
South Loop Link Plan On Course for Lining Up $115M in Funding
(Editor’s note: the full City Council approved the $10 million in funding Thursday) By Kevin Collison The city is poised to contribute $10 million to the proposed South Loop Link project, an amount backers hope will leverage the total raised for the four-block park to more than $115 million by year’s end. A City Council…
South Loop Link Plan On Course to Line Up $115M in Funding
Kansas City is poised to contribute $10 million to the South Loop Link project. Backers hope to raise more $115 million for the four-block park by year’s end.
Proposed Greenline Trail Price Tag $80M, Plan to Seek Federal Funding
(Editor’s note: This article originally was posted July 12, 2022) By Kevin Collison The proposed Greenline recreational trail loop around downtown now has an estimated $80 million price tag, according to backers who plan to eventually seek federal funding for the project. The Greenline was initially pitched almost three years ago by developer Vince Bryant,…
Omaha Postcard: Big Downtown Park Overhaul Shows How to Attract People
(Editor’s note: This article originally was posted Sept. 21, 2022) By Kevin Collison We have one restless, striving neighbor to our north. In July, Omaha finished the first phase of a $325 million overhaul of its downtown and riverfront parks, and what’s occurring 200 miles upriver offers an important lesson for Kansas City. First a…