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 Wraps Up Red Cross, Big Armour Crossing Rez Project Starts Soon
By Kevin Collison The former American Red Cross building in Midtown has been reborn as the ARC on Armour apartments, the latest residential project in the Armour corridor developed by Chicago-based Mac Properties. The three-story, 56,000 square-foot former headquarters at 211 W. Armour was built in 1945 and was vacated by the Red Cross in…
Elegant Hotel Kansas City Opens in Historic KC Club Building
By Kevin Collison The new Hotel Kansas City opened Thursday, and the beautifully restored building retains the signature features of the historic Kansas City Club accented with a sophisticated blend of modern flourishes. “We are the most luxurious hotel in the market, there’s no other comparisons,” said Sarah Beck, director of sales and marketing. “Our…
No Vacancy Offers Cozy Stay in the Crossroads
By Kevin Collison The Crossroads is home to some unique, eclectic businesses, and Spencer Sight’s new hotel venture at 1717 Wyandotte certainly qualifies. It has only eight rooms. “It’s quaint enough to be furnished like a well-appointed loft, while offering the comfort and consistency of a boutique hotel,” he said. “Each guest room has a…
Developers Pursuing Big Residential Projects at 18th & Vine District
By Kevin Collison Private developers are pursuing two major residential and retail projects in the 18th & Vine District that would revitalize an approximately two-block section on the west side of the historic neighborhood. A local development group, 1900 Vine Street LLC, that includes Kelvin Simmons, a former Kansas City Councilman and state economic director,…
New Royals Owner Talks About Downtown Baseball, East Village
(Editor’s note: This article first appeared in CityScene KC on Jan. 3, 2020) While cautioning it’s early in the game, John Sherman, the new owner of the Royals, has no problem talking up the economic benefits of downtown baseball and says he’s already being lobbied on possible sites. “Baseball creates more economic opportunity in denser…
Domino’s Relocates to River Market
Domino’s is slinging pizzas in the River Market from a new location at 551 Grand, a shift from its previous site in the former City Center Square office tower. The franchise opened last spring on the ground level of the new 531 Grand apartment project, a move that has helped both its delivery drivers and…
Phikul Thai Bistro Opens in River Market
(Editor’s note: This article was first posted on CityScene KC on Jan. 21, 2020. The new Phikul Thai Bistro opened last week. It’s hours are Tuesdays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sundays, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and closed Monday.) The owners of Baramee Thai…
Verdant Blooms in Crossroads
(Editor’s note: This story originally was posted Feb. 21 2019. Verdant is now open and in addition to the services and goods mentioned in the original article, it also offers flower bouquets starting at $3.50 per bundle preferably raised by local growers. Hours are Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m….
Tribe Bringing World Street Food to River Market
(Editor’s note: This article originally appeared in CityScene KC on March 8, 2018) The new Tribe street kitchen in the River Market wants to be to your appetite what world music is to your ears. “All of us have experienced cultures throughout the world,” said co-founder Sam Hagan. “We came to the conclusion that different…
Key State Affordable Housing Tax Credit Program Poised for Revival
(Editor’s note, the Missouri Housing Development Commission voted to restore funding for the state Low Income Housing Tax Credit program on Sept. 25) By Kevin Collison A state incentive program that was considered a vital tool to help build affordable housing in downtown Kansas City and around Missouri before being defunded in 2017 by former…