Kevin Collison, CityScene

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-West Streetcar Could Cost $600M, Need New Funding Source

By Kevin Collison Kansas City has reached the end of the track when it comes to expanding its streetcar system unless it adopts a broader approach to local funding, according to a new study exploring a potential east-west route. It would cost $450- to $600 million to build a streetcar line from the KU Medical…

KC Streetcar in the River Market.

East-West Streetcar Could Cost $600M, Need New Funding Source

Kansas City needs a new local funding source if it wants to pursue an east-west streetcar expansion that would cost up to $600 million.

River Market Parking Woes Prompt Plan Commission to Oppose Apartment Tower

By Kevin Collison The proposed City Harvest apartment tower by the City Market, a City Hall priority for three years, stumbled over the ongoing challenge of parking in the area this week at the City Plan Commission. The Plan Commission voted 4-3 to recommend denial of the 300-unit project after hearing from River Market merchants…

After Years of Resolve, Backwater Bridge to Become Leisure Destination

By Kevin Collison Mike Zeller’s dogged pursuit of his vision to convert a rusty backwater bridge in the West Bottoms into a major entertainment destination is expected to launch next month. On March 5, a crew from L.G. Barcus & Sons Construction is scheduled to begin removing rails and ties from the 118 year-old Rock…

The Rock Island Bridge entertainment district will be the centerpiece of a recreational area that includes new trails and a park on the Kansas side of the river.

Backwater Bridge in West Bottoms Set to Become Leisure Destination

Mike Zeller’s work to convert a rusty backwater bridge in the West Bottoms into a major entertainment destination is expected to launch next month.

Redevelopment Site Near Potential Ballpark Listed in East Crossroads

By Kevin Collison A strategic property is for sale in the East Crossroads, a one-acre site at 18th and Holmes that would be well-located should the Royals get their wish to build their ballpark downtown. The former Kansas City Tent & Awning properties at 1813-31 Holmes have been listed by Cushman & Wakefield for an…

Big Apartment Project Being Considered at 14th and Wyandotte

By Kevin Collison A 300-unit apartment project is being pursued for an empty corner at 14th and Wyandotte across from the new Blue Cross building, according to a preliminary development plan filed with the city this week. The early submission, which doesn’t list a developer, calls for a “mixed-use development with on-site parking and ground…

Two vacant lots downtown.

Apartment Tower Being Considered Next to Power & Light Building

A 300-unit apartment project is being pursued for an empty corner at 14th and Wyandotte across from the new Blue Cross Blue Shield building.

Potential Super Bowl Celebration Carries Super Price Tag

By Kevin Collison Being a successful NFL city doesn’t come cheap. The estimated cost to city taxpayers for a hoped-for Feb. 15 celebration should the Chiefs win the Super Bowl was estimated at least $2.25 million at a City Council committee meeting Wednesday. That figure includes a $750,000 transfer to the KC Sports Commission to…

New Bakery, Enchanté, Joins French Culinary Corner at Main and Westport

By Kevin Collison The one-woman Frenchification of the angled intersection where Westport Road meets Main Street has an enticing new aroma, this one drifting from The Bakery, Enchanté. Heather White opened her French brasserie Tailleur at 3933 Main in August 2021 and her Parisian dessert bar Cheval at 3940 Main in September. Now, Enchanté has…