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
Regional Skate Park, Artworks, Could ‘Enhance’ New Buck O’Neil Bridge
(Editor’s note: This article originally was published Feb. 3) 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 million…
Thirsty? Your Hoppy Guide to the Downtown KC Craft Beer Scene
(Editor’s note: This article was last updated March 10, 2022) Kansas City’s downtown craft beer scene traces its hoppy roots back to Nov. 17, 1989. That’s the date John McDonald, founder of Boulevard Brewing, delivered his first keg of Pale Ale to Ponak’s Mexican Kitchen just a few blocks down the road on Southwest Boulevard….
New Atlanta Ballpark Considered Model for Royals Coming Downtown
(Editor’s note: This article was originally published April 13) By Kevin Collison If you’re curious about the game plan for a potential Royals downtown ballpark, the new home of the Atlanta Braves may offer some inside baseball. Truist Field and its adjoining “The Battery Atlanta” mixed-use development were cited several times by experts discussing the…
KCATA Backs Two Big Transit-Oriented Apartment Projects
By Kevin Collison The KCATA has jumped into transit-oriented development in a big way, approving bonds this week for two apartment projects totaling $190 million that could receive up to a 75 percent property tax reduction over 20 years. The board accepted what it describes as a public-private partnership with Northpoint Development, which is proposing…
Torn Label Opens ‘Public House,’ Triples Size, Adds Food
(Editor’s Note: This article was originally published April 15, 2021) By Kevin Collison Torn Label is joining the recent wave of microbrewery expansions in the East Crossroads with plans to open the Torn Label Public House by the end of this month. The microbrewery at 1708 Campbell that began operation in late 2014 is more…
El Dorado Honored as Top Small Architectural Firm in Midwest
By Kevin Collison A Crossroads architectural firm named after the fabled city of gold has struck professional mother lode by being honored as the best small firm in the Midwest by The Architect’s Newspaper, a top industry publication. El Dorado, which survived its early years by taking on Crossroads renovation projects, was selected over firms from a…
Parks Department Opens One-Acre Dog Park on Downtown’s East Side
By Kevin Collison The KC Parks and Recreation Department has opened another dog park in the downtown area, this one a one-acre tract where canines can run free at Margaret Kemp Park at 10th and Harrison adjacent to 71 Highway. Parks Director Chris Cotten said the opportunity to open a dog park arose after a…
Developer Hopes New Apartment Design Eases Plaza Bowl Concerns
By Kevin Collison A big apartment project proposed on Belleview near the Country Club Plaza is challenging Plaza Bowl height restrictions, but the developer believes its more refined design should mollify potential critics. Lane4 Property Group’s plan for a 338-unit project at 4711 Belleview is scheduled to be considered by the City Plan Commission Aug….
Long-Term Economic Impact of KC Current Stadium Estimated at $1.24B
By Kevin Collison The planned KC Current women’s soccer stadium on the riverfront is anticipated to generate a $48.8 million annual economic impact to the city by 2025 and prompt construction of 500 more apartments, according to a consultant report. The study prepared by Victus Advisors, a national sports market research firm, was presented to…
KC Streetcar Extension Reshapes Midtown Real Estate Market
By Annie Jennemann Flatland The KC Streetcar extension along Main Street isn’t just about moving people – it’s about creating a new framework for development in Midtown. “We have certainly noticed a major increase in interest in developing in the area, which is totally to be expected,” said Kevin Klinkenberg, executive director of Midtown KC…