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
Downtown Central Library Hosts National Poet Laureate
Tracy K. Smith, the poet laureate of the United States, will discuss her life and poetry, and read from her works at the Downtown Central Library Friday evening. “I feel like a poem draws us, draws me, into a quieter space, a decibel level that sits below the register of the media that we live…
Tech N9ne Gets Down with Boulevard on New Brew
Take Boulevard Wheat, improvise with some pineapple and coconut flavors and throw down some Tech N9ne and you’ve got a new collaboration from two of Kansas City’s favorite sons. Downtown-based Boulevard Brewing and Strange Music announced this week the new “Bou Lou” collaboration will debut at this summer’s Boulevardia festival in the Stockyards District of…
Embassy Suites Anticipates Mid-2020 Opening in Old Federal Reserve
By Kevin Collison The long-awaited redevelopment of the historic Federal Reserve Bank building into a 321-room Embassy Suites hotel is back on track and is expected to start interior remediation soon, according to its Colorado-based developer. “It’s been a long, difficult process that’s now come to a head and we’re ready to go,” said Jeff…
Dog Day Afternoon in East Crossroads
By Kevin Collison It was a true dog day afternoon in the East Crossroads Sunday, with hundreds of hounds and their owners enjoying a microbrewery tour organized by Beer Paws. The first-ever “Pup Crawl” event by Waldo-based Beer Paws included nine breweries and other businesses, and was a laid back way for owners to chill…
Fall Completion Expected for $65M Traders Apartment Redevelopment
By Kevin Collison A $65 million redevelopment of the historic Traders National Bank Building at 1125 Grand into 201 apartments is expected to be completed this fall. Sunflower Development Group and Block Real Estate Services are co-developers. Their project is transforming the 21-story building into a mix of studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments capped by…
Landmark Western Auto Sign to Dazzle Downtown Skyline Again
(Updated June 25) The landmark Western Auto sign is scheduled to light up the skyline again on again July 13, according to a release today from building’s homeowner’s association and Copaken Brooks. If you’re looking for a souvenir, the old light bulbs from the sign will be available for purchase on July 9. For more…
Well-Known Westport Merchants Opposing Streetcar Expansion Plan
By Kevin Collison Several prominent Westport merchants have come out against the proposed streetcar extension from downtown to UMKC, apparently believing it won’t deliver enough new customers to justify the additional tax burden. In the latest campaign filing by SmartKC, a political committee opposed to the streetcar, Westport bars and restaurants including Kelly’s Westport Inn…
O’Neil Bridge Begins Short-Term Repairs May 19; Replacement Could Open by 2023
By Kevin Collison Southbound traffic on the Buck O’Neill Bridge, a major link connecting the Northland and downtown, is scheduled to shut down May 19 for a $7 million repair project. Repair work to the former Broadway Bridge, which carries 44,000 vehicles daily on Route 169, is expected to be completed by Dec. 1. Northbound…
Former Union Hill Motel Converted to Apartments
By Kevin Collison A former motel at 29th and Main has been renovated into 96 apartments, many geared toward the high-demand, affordable housing market. The one-time Residence Inn was converted into rental housing by Bob Frye of Union Hill development. It’s offering studio and smaller one-bedroom units from $895- to $995 per month, and two…
Restored Savoy Grill is Centerpiece of New 21c Museum Hotel
By Kevin Collison First off, breathe easy Kansas City history buffs. The inner sanctum of the Savoy Grill, that 1903 time-capsule of dark oak woodwork, terrazzo floor, Old West murals and Harry Truman’s “Booth No. 4,” returns when the $47.5 million renovation of the Savoy Hotel is completed this summer. Yes, the adjoining dining room—a…