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
Strange Days Brewing Adding Even More International Flavor to River Market
It’s getting to be a crowded microbrewery field in downtown Kansas City, but Nathan Howard believes his worldly approach to creating new beer flavors will make his new River Market venture, Strange Days, a refreshing retreat from today’s domestic blues. “(Strange Days) is a homage to the world we’re living in,” Howard said. “For us,…
Howard’s Adding Groceries and Homegrown Produce to Its Crossroads Menu
By Kevin Collison Howard’s has gained a tasty reputation for its healthy cafe menu since opening in the Crossroads in September 2015, and now is expanding to become a downtown neighborhood source for groceries and homegrown produce too. Craig Howard opened his all-things-food place at 1708 Oak St. after the building housing his previous grocery…
Casual Animal Brewing Plans to Join Growing Kansas City Crossroads ‘Neigh-brew-hood’ By End of This Year
By Kevin Collison Kyle Gray and his wife Lara are joining the microbrewery herd in the East Crossroads later this year with Casual Animal Brewing at 1725 McGee St. “We’re pretty excited about what’s developing down there,” Gray said, “and we’re happy to join the revolution and revitalization that’s underway.” The couple are opening in…
Kansas City Streetcar Authority Receives Go Ahead to Order Two New Cars
The Kansas City Streetcar Authority has received the final go ahead to order two additional streetcars that are expected to be delivered in summer 2019. The decision to purchase two more streetcars at a cost of $4.9 million each was endorsed by the Kansas City Council Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Thursday. It comes at a…
Port KC Kicks Off New Marketing Effort for Downtown Kansas City Riverfront
By Kevin Collison The Port Authority of Kansas City is making a renewed effort to promote development on the downtown riverfront, seeking to capitalize on a new 410-unit apartment project going up by Berkley Park and a potential extension of the streetcar to the area. The authority, which refers to itself as Port KC, held…
UMKC to Seek Alternative Funding for Downtown Kansas City Conservatory; Gov. Greitens Vetoes Legislation for Matching State Money
Despite overwhelming support from the Missouri Legislature, Gov. Eric Greitens has vetoed state funding for the proposed $96 million Downtown UMKC Conservatory project. “Today, Governor Eric Greitens vetoed a bill that would have asked Missouri taxpayers to pay for a new building for dancers and art students in Kansas City,” according to a statement released…
New Church of the Resurrection Under Construction in Downtown Kansas City, Opening in Spring 2018
By Kevin Collison Construction has begun on the foundation of the new, $6 million Church of the Resurrection on a parking lot once used by The Kansas City Star, a symbol of both the church’s rapid growth and the burgeoning downtown residential community it serves. The 15,236 square-foot church will accommodate 440 worshipers and is…
Historic New England Building Apartment Redevelopment 40 Percent Leased, Opening Slated For Sept. 1
By Kevin Collison The historic New England building, one of downtown Kansas City’s oldest office structures, has leased 40 percent of its 32 apartments, most of which feature ornate cast-iron fireplaces from the days before central heating. The redevelopment of the 1887 structure at 112 W. Ninth St. is part of a $10 million investment…
Union Station Kicks Off New Outdoor Entertainment Venue Backed by Great Downtown Kansas City View
By Kevin Collison Union Station kicked off its new Haverty Family Yards outdoor entertainment venue last weekend with a soulful performance by Anderson East and his band backed by rolling freight trains and a dramatic view of downtown Kansas City. The inaugural show Saturday night attracted about 350 people to the grassy field next to…
Two Major Hotel Projects in Downtown Kansas City Continue Moving Forward in Addition to New Convention Hotel
By Kevin Collison Two major hotel projects continue to move forward in downtown Kansas City, which combined with the planned convention hotel, will add more than 1,200 rooms by early 2020. Last week, New York-based Loews announced it has become a substantial investor in the planned 800-room convention hotel at Wyandotte and 17th Street, and…