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
Puttery Starts Putt-Putt Play on Plaza
By Kevin Collison The Puttery, an upscale miniature golf concept out of Dallas, is opening Thursday (Sept. 14) in the Country Club Plaza, adding an adult-only entertainment destination to the mix of tenants. “The Plaza is well known for its retail and dining, but we’ve found that Millennials prefer experiences over purchasing items,” said JW…
With Longtime Goal Close, Downtown Council Goes Quiet on Ballpark
By Kevin Collison The biggest and loudest civic cheerleader for a downtown ballpark for almost 20 years has gone quiet as its goal becomes achingly close, choosing instead to work behind the scenes. The Downtown Council, downtown’s premier private advocate, has embraced more low-profile tactics including enlisting corporate leaders to write letters of support and…
KC Homeless Center Scores $50K Game Day Gift from NFL, Little Caesars
By Kevin Collison It was the kind of pre-game Chiefs gathering that occurred all around Kansas City Thursday, people munching pizza, getting pumped with loud DJ music and even a guest appearance by KC Wolf. But this one had a surprise delivered by the NFL and Little Caesars, a $50,000 donation to the Downtown Community…
Latina Speakeasy, Bar Bringing Drinks and Tapas to West Bottoms
By Kevin Collison A mother-daughter team who relish their Latina heritage and look forward to serving cocktails, wine and tapas in a vibrant atmosphere are opening a new place in the West Bottoms this month. “We wanted something that showed that culture,” said Kandi Kerns. “It’s all about the shared experience, sitting with friends and…
Country Club Plaza Backers See Silver Lining in Loan Default
A loan default by the owners of the Country Club Plaza has lifted the hopes of Plaza advocates about the future of the venerable shopping district.
Local Plaza Backers See Silver Lining in Ownership Default
By Kevin Collison The owners of the Country Club Plaza’s default on their loan has raised the possibility of new management and lifted hopes of Plaza advocates about the future of the venerable shopping district. “For now, I am choosing to be optimistic that a new owner will bring new energy and abundant resources to…
Devoured Pizza Opening Permanent Spot in Martini Corner
By Kevin Collison Devoured Pizza, which began during the Covid pandemic as a backyard operation for friends and family, plans to open a permanent space in Martini Corner within the next six months. Devoured plans to open a 20-seat place in the same building that houses Made in KC and Ludo’s at 325 E. 31st…
Affordable Apartments in Way of Potential East Village Ballpark
By Kevin Collison In a twist on the story line the East Village sorely needs investment, the only project built there since it was designated a redevelopment zone in 2005 would need to be demolished if the Royals choose it for their ballpark. And Community Builders of Kansas City wants to leverage that affordable apartment…
Manor Records Spinning to West Bottoms in October
By Kevin Collison Shaun Crowley’s effort to help promote the local live music scene is landing in the West Bottoms where he plans to open a new Manor Records shop this October. The new Manor Records is planned for the basement of what’s called the 12th Street Post building at 1501 W. 12th St. It’s…
Mayor Backs Group Pushing for a ‘Pedestrianized Plaza’
By Kevin Collison A new group with the mayor’s ear is pushing to convert some Country Club Plaza streets to pedestrian use, the latest expression of public concern over the direction of the venerable civic landmark. The loose-knit group of civic-minded, mostly younger adults call themselves Urban Lab KC. A conceptual rendering it posted on…