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
New Study: Downtown Prime Beneficiary of City Incentive Programs
By Kevin Collison A long-awaited report on how economic development tax incentives are used in Kansas City found the greater downtown area was the primary beneficiary during the 10 years covered by the study. The study presented last week to the Kansas City Council found the city was getting a good return on its investment…
Downtown Retail Survivor Bob Jones Shoes ‘Retiring’ After Almost 60 Years
By Kevin Collison The irony of Bob Jones Shoes making it through the tough times only to close now that downtown Kansas City is back on its feet isn’t lost on Rocky Horowitz. “We seen downtown go from bad to good to really good,” he said. “Once the Sprint Center opened and things got all…
Streetcar Authority Picks Outer Lanes of Main Street for Planned Extension
By Kevin Collison The Streetcar Authority plans to run the proposed extension from downtown to UMKC on the outside lanes of Main Street, saying it would provide a more pedestrian-friendly access and greater economic development opportunities. The decision to go outside rather than the alternative of an alignment down the middle of Main Street was…
Our Daily Nada Opening in River Market, Joins Growing Cafe Scene
By Kevin Collison Our Daily Nada, the anticipated new River Market bookstore and cafe, expects to open this week, featuring the welcoming escape envisioned in its namesake short story by Ernest Hemingway. “We want it to be a comfortable place for people to relax and enjoy a drink,” said co-owner Andrea Baca. “There will be…
Flashcube Building Apartment Project Expects to Start Early 2019
By Kevin Collison The planned redevelopment of the historic “Flashcube” building into apartments has hit a “profound” budget jump due to price increases for construction materials and labor, raising the cost by 38 percent to $69 million. In response, a request by the developer, Worcester Investments, to have its “prevailing wage” labor goal set at…
Visit KC Chooses New Leader at Pivotal Time for Downtown Convention Industry
With Kansas City’s convention infrastructure poised to be its most competitive since the 1976 Republican National Convention, Visit KC has picked a top hospitality executive from Pittsburgh to help the city cash in on its investment. Jason Fulvi is the new president and CEO of Visit KC, the metro’s primary convention and tourism marketing organization,…
Crossroads Hotel Opening in October, 131-Room Historic Renovation Project
The Crossroads Hotel is opening this October at 21st and Central streets, reviving the historic Pabst Brewing and Pendergast buildings as a 131-room boutique hotel and rooftop bar. In a press release, Chicago-based Aparium Hotel Group said the hotel, which will feature three restaurants and bars including the rooftop, is accepting reservations for stays beginning…
Downtown is Center for 816 Day Celebration This Thursday
By Kim Mueller Downtown neighbors will celebrate all things Kansas City on Thursday during the second annual 816Day event inspired by the city’s area code. “It’s a great time to show some love for Kansas City with an emphasis on downtown,” said Jared Campbell, president of the Downtown Neighborhood Association. Celebrating a city’s area code…
Betty Rae’s Begins Scooping Ice Cream Late August in River Market
By Kevin Collison The missing ingredient on the Delaware Street food scene menu, a great place for dessert, will be filled the last week of August with the opening of Betty Rae’s Ice Cream at 412 Delaware. Betty Rae’s Founder David Friesen is delighted to open a second helping of the famed Waldo ice cream…
Just in Time for Dog Days, Bar K Opening Soon on Riverfront
By Kevin Collison Brooke Laws and her pal Gatsby had been at a loss since July 22. Their favorite hangout, Bar K, had closed its West Bottoms pilot operation and it wasn’t until this week its new riverfront location was ready for a sneak preview. “During the two weeks without this, we thought ‘what are…