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
East Crossroads New Home for Two St. Louis-based Bar and Restaurant Concepts
By Kevin Collison Developer Matt Abbott’s latest project at 18th and Oak streets has landed two St. Louis-based food and beverage concepts, Mission Taco Joint and International Tap House. Abbott said International Tap House, 403 E. 18th St., is expected to open in mid-June and Mission Taco Joint, 409 E. 18th St. should be serving…
Federal Agency Concerns Over Homeless Situation at Ilus Davis Park has KC Downtown Council Scrambling
By Kevin Collison Ilus W. Davis Park, the centerpiece of the downtown Kansas City Civic District, has become a regular sleepover spot for homeless people, irritating a prominent next door neighbor, the Federal Aviation Administration. The Downtown Council has asked the Kansas City Parks Board to impose a night-time curfew in the two-block park in…
Kansas City Museum Opening Downtown Exhibition Space in the Historic Garment District
By Kevin Collison The Kansas City Museum is opening downtown exhibition space this summer in the 800 Broadway building in the heart of the Historic Garment District. The 3,300 square-foot space on the first floor of 800 Broadway will feature both displays and programming beginning Aug. 16, according to a release from the museum. Hours…
Downtown Spring Housing Tour This Saturday
People interested in living downtown Kansas City will have an opportunity to visit 11 residential developments this Saturday, June 3, in an open house event sponsored by the Downtown Neighborhood Association. The DNA Spring Urban Living Tour runs from 1- to 4 p.m. Saturday and features both new and historic renovation projects. Most of the…
Downtown Kansas City Office Vacancy Drop Leads Nation Thanks to Conversions and New Tenants
By Kevin Collison Downtown Kansas City leads the nation these days reducing its office vacancy rate, but not because it’s returning to its heyday as the region’s business center. The drop is primarily due to the conversion of many older, obsolete office buildings into apartments and hotels as downtown has transitioned to a mixed-use, ‘live,…
KC Preservationists Pursue Campaign to Document Westport Architecture as Development Pressure Mounts
By Kevin Collison New projects in the works for historic Westport are prompting a grassroots effort to survey the district’s buildings to provide a solid planning base for future development decisions. Plans for two apartment projects and a hotel are being reviewed at City Hall for a district that’s been popular destination since before Kansas…
UMKC Downtown Arts Campus Funding to be Considered by Governor in Mid-May
By Kevin Collison State funding for the planned downtown Conservatory of Dance and Music, called the “largest project in UMKC history,” is expected to be considered by Gov. Eric Greitens after lawmakers adjourn May 12. “I’m not quite ready to uncork the champagne until after the governor’s signature,” Bill Dietrich, president and CEO of the…
KC Streetcar Celebrates 2 Millionth Rider and First Birthday This Saturday
By Kevin Collison The Kansas City streetcar celebrates its first birthday Saturday at Union Station and is expected to host its two-millionth rider either late today or tomorrow. Supporters hope the success of the 2.2-mile starter line linking the River Market and Crown Center boosts the effort now underway to extend the line down Main…
Design for New Downtown YMCA Would Keep Lyric Facade
By Kevin Collison Backers of a planned Downtown YMCA that would incorporate the facade of the historic Lyric Theater as part of the $30 million project hope to wrap up fundraising this summer. David Byrd, CEO of the YMCA, told the Downtown Council board Thursday that $21 million has been raised and anticipated the remaining…
Downtown KC Convention Hotel Design Connects Downtown with Crossroads
By Kevin Collison The planned $310 million convention hotel project is expected to create a better pedestrian connection between major downtown destinations as well as provide dramatic views for its guests, its architect says. “We believe that this building should be designed for the residents of Kansas City,” architect Bob Neal of Atlanta-based Cooper Carry…