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

Crossroads Office and Retail Development Includes ‘Leafy Oasis’

By Kevin Collison Work could begin this year on philanthropist and developer Shirley Helzberg’s plan to renovate two, historic Film Row buildings into office space and create a “leafy oasis” on what’s now a parking lot at 18th and Baltimore. Her latest Crossroads redevelopment, which ultimately includes building two, multi-family luxury buildings on West 17th…

The historic former MGM and Columbia, later Universal, Pictures buildings on West 18th Street in Film Row would be combined to become an office project.

Shirley Helzberg Pursues New Plan for Film Row in the Crossroads

Philanthropist and developer Shirley Helzberg's plans to renovate two historic Film Row buildings into office space and create a "leafy oasis" on what's now a parking lot at 18th Street and Baltimore Avenue.

Plaza Sheraton Converting to a Hilton, $8.4M Investment

By Kevin Collison A Rhode Island firm has applied for $8.4 million in building permits as part of its plan to convert the 18-story Sheraton Suites at the Country Club Plaza into a Hilton, according to city records. An entity called MHF KC NOTE VII LLC has filed applications for the planned renovation and rebranding…

Ting’s Filipino Bistro Opening Soon in City Market

A new Filipino eatery originally conceived at the Parlor food hall in the East Crossroads is opening in the City Market and will include family recipes that are favorites of its owner. Ting’s Filipino Bistro will open Sept. 13 at 405 Main St. inside the Market, and its the latest concept from Theresa “Ting” Santos-Spencer’s…

Port KC Takes New Role Steering $160M South Loop Link Park Plan

By Kevin Collison Planning for the proposed South Loop Link, an ambitious proposal to deck four blocks of the disruptive downtown freeway with a park, is taking a big step forward with Port KC assuming a lead role in implementing the project. The public agency has issued a request for qualifications (RFQ) to hire a…

Aerial view of a conceptual rendering of the South Loop Link Park.

Big Plan to Cover Downtown’s South Loop Taking Shape

Port KC is leading efforts to build the proposed South Loop Link, an ambitious $160 million plan to cover four blocks of the downtown freeway loop with a park.

‘The Elders’ Return to Help Irish Fest Celebrate 20th Year Downtown

Irish Fest is returning this Labor Day weekend to Crown Center and to help celebrate its 20th year downtown, crowd-favorite The Elders will be coming out of retirement to perform. “The Elders are sure to make 2022 Irish Fest one of their most memorable shows, as they headlined every KC Irish Fest since the fest’s…

Iconic Katz Cat to Grin Again in Downtown KC

By Kevin Collison The Katz Drug Store sign, a one-time iconic streetscape fixture in Kansas City and beyond with its happy cat sporting a bow tie, has a new life thanks to LUMI, a museum dedicated to neon signs. A 10-foot tall replica of the Katz sign has been fashioned by Fossil Forge, a Lee’s…

The new Katz Drug Store sign was unveiled recently at Fossil Forge in Lee's Summit.

Iconic Katz Drug Store Sign Finds New Life

The Katz Drug Store sign, an iconic Kansas City streetscape fixture with its happy cat sporting a bow tie, has a new home at the LUMI neon sign museum.

Union Station Only U.S. Stop for Major Maya Exhibition

By Kevin Collison Union Station’s new “Maya: The Great Jaguar Rises” exhibition vividly tells the little-known story of the ancient civilization that dominated Central America for 1,500 years, but its arrival was far from timely. The exhibition which runs through the end of this year originally was scheduled to begin in May, but bureaucratic delays,…