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
Mac’s Apartment Plan at Streetcar Stop Endorsed Over Neighborhood Objections
By Kevin Collison In what could be a significant policy decision for future development along the expanded streetcar line, City Hall’s desire to promote greater residential density overruled neighborhood objections over parking Tuesday. The City Plan Commission unanimously endorsed a 318-unit development plan being pursued by Chicago-based Mac Properties at Main and Armour. It would…
Mac Properties Plan in Midtown Advances Despite Parking Concerns
The City Plan Commission has unanimously endorsed a 318-unit development plan being pursued by Mac Properties at Main and Armour in Kansas City.
Rockhurst University Building ‘Alvin Brooks Center for Faith-Justice’
Rockhurst University is renovating its former community center at 5401 Troost to become the Alvin Brooks Center for Faith-Justice, fulfilling a commitment made to the long-time civil rights leader by the school’s former president. The project was announced a year ago by Rockhurst President Emeritus the Rev. Thomas B. Curran, S.J., when he received the…
Civic Leaders Pursue Plan to Safeguard Plaza for Another Century
By Kevin Collison The Country Club Plaza is celebrating its centennial next year and top civic leaders are laying plans to assure the venerable but somewhat frayed landmark enjoys a vibrant second 100 years. “This isn’t about a sentimental journey to restore the past, but an interest in moving forward to an exciting future, said…
Concerned Civic Leaders Form Group to Support the Country Club Plaza
Kansas City civic leaders have formed a new nonprofit group to support the struggling Country Club Plaza, which will mark its centennial in 2023.
Jazz Hill Affordable Housing Plan Moves Forward on The Paseo
(Editor’s note: The full City Council approved funding for the redevelopment plan.) By Kevin Collison Construction is expected to begin soon on a $33.8 million Jazz Hill project that will renovate 11 historic but derelict apartment buildings on The Paseo near downtown into 197 affordable apartments. An additional $150,000 for the project was endorsed Wednesday…
Stalled Hyatt Hotel Project Revived with New Development Team
The long-stalled Hyatt House hotel project at Ninth and Broadway may have fresh life with its Colorado developer taking on two partners and asking for a transfer of its tax incentive package to the new team. Pedersen Development of Boulder is seeking approval of the new development arrangement from the Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority….
Regional Skate Park, Artworks, Could ‘Enhance’ New Buck O’Neil Bridge
(Editor’s note: This article originally was published Feb. 3, 2022) By Kevin Collison Creating a regional skate park beneath the approach ramps to the new Buck O’Neil Bridge is among the ideas in a report prepared by a group tasked to enliven what’s now a bland infrastructure project. Work is well underway on the $220…
Pennway Point Proposal Would Add Ferris Wheel to Downtown
(Editor’s note: This article originally was published March 16, 2022. This week, the developer filed a $3.9 million building permit with the city for “Ferris Wheel site with associated amenities.” By Kevin Collison An entertainment district at the south end of the Broadway viaduct that would include a 170-foot Ferris wheel, neon sign museum and…
Analysis: Parking, Traffic and Taxpayer Costs Are Key Downtown Ballpark Concerns
By Kevin Collison Last week’s “open letter” from Royals’ owner John Sherman about building a new ballpark in or near downtown, while not unexpected, still sent shock waves through the metro. Gauging from CityScene readership, the immediate reaction was huge with a record 20,000 plus page views of the article about his $2 billion announcement…