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
Crown Center WeekEnder Outdoor Concert Series Begins July 10
People craving live music during these Covid-bound times will be able to satisfy their ears at Crown Center beginning July 10 when the annual WeekEnder series resumes on its sprawling outdoor plaza. “We felt like the square offered a wide space where people can sit in a chair and keep a safe distance from everybody…
Blip Coffee Shifts Gears to New West Bottoms Location
By Kevin Collison Ian Davis knew his Blip coffee shop and roasterie in the West Bottoms was in for a bumpy business road when his connections on the West Coast warned him of the looming Covid-19 crisis in early March. “We were one of the first to close up because of Covid,” he said. “My…
Grand Place, Historic KC Star Redevelopment, Tweaks Design, Opening Fall 2021
(Updated Aug. 27, 2020. Editor’s note: Tria Health will be the first office tenant at Grand Place. The firm, currently based in Overland Park, will relocate its headquarters and occupy 17,586 square-feet in the east building. It’s expected to make the move in September 2021. “Tria Health provides one-on-one consultations with pharmacists, supported by advanced health care…
Developer of Old KC Star Building Tweaks Plan, Checks Crossroads ‘Grocery’ Box
The ambitious redevelopment of the historic former Kansas City Star building into a mixed-use project called Grand Place continues to progress with some tweaks to the original plan and completion targeted for Fall 2021.
Soulcentricitea Brewing Tea and Natural Goodness on Troost
By Kevin Collison Nika Renee is bringing her blend of tea, pastries and serenity to the Wonder Shops + Flats development at 30th and Troost, opening her Soulcentrictea shop in the former Blip coffee space. “I love tea and I’ve always been a tea fanatic,” she said. “Our theme is earth-based, crafted, soul-centered natural products.”…
Flashcube Opens for Residents Next Month Following $69M Renovation
By Kevin Collison The historic “Flashcube” building is scheduled to open to residents in mid-July following a $69 million renovation that converted a 1970s office building into a 184-unit, luxury apartment building. The nine-story, reflective glass-clad building at 720 Main already has 30 units committed through pre-leasing and its developer is asking for premium rents,…
Flying Saucer Spins Out of Power & Light District
The Flying Saucer Draught Emporium, one of the earliest tenants at the Power & Light District, has closed its doors permanently, according to a company official in Dallas. The establishment at the southeast corner of 13th and Walnut opened in 2008 and featured more than 240 beers along with pub food. While its name evokes…
East Village Transit Center Opening in Early August
By Kevin Collison The new East Village Transit Center at 12th and Charlotte, the final installment in a $56 million service improvement program by the KC Transportation Authority, is scheduled to open for its first bus riders on Aug. 2. KCATA officials believe the new $5 million facility will be a substantial improvement over the…
Covid-Delayed Hotel Cambria Project Still On, No Timeline for Construction
By Kevin Collison The South Dakota developer of a proposed 149-room hotel at Ninth and Wyandotte in the Garment District still intends to follow through with his plan although construction likely may be delayed until next year. “The project is on hold,” said Luke Jessen, development manager for Lloyd Cos. of Sioux Falls. “We don’t…
Seventh Annual Art in the Loop Blossoms with Poppie-Wrapped Streetcar
This summer’s Art in the Loop program is finally rolling in full thanks to the weekend debut of a streetcar wrapped in poppies, probably the most visible aspect of the annual downtown art event. “Hope & Gratitude” a vivid graphic by artist Ada Koch, who has used poppies as a theme for a variety of…