Civic Affairs
Jackson County Balks at Starting Royals Downtown Ballpark Talks
By Kevin Collison Last month, Royals owner John Sherman expressed frustration about “waiting on a few people” who didn’t share the team’s urgency about negotiating a downtown ballpark deal. Turns out, that negotiating ball has literally been in Jackson County’s court since at least mid-June, according to senior-level sources close to the concept with the…
Crossroads Pursues Improvement District to Improve Security, Landscaping
By Kevin Collison The Crossroads Community Association has launched a long-anticipated drive to establish a community improvement district that’s intended to increase security, improve landscaping and reduce trash and graffiti in the popular downtown neighborhood. The effort comes after many years of spirited debate and signals how the district of older industrial buildings has evolved…
Plaza Area Council Now Official, Plans to Boost District’s Next Century
(Editor’s note: This article originally was published Jan. 11, 2023) By Kevin Collison A new civic effort to shepherd the Country Club Plaza and environs into its second 100 years has organized as a nonprofit, and plans to hire staff and begin pursuing its goals by the end of the year. What’s called the Plaza…
City Manager Outlines Big Downtown Agenda at Three Light Event
(Editor’s note: This article originally was published March 22, 2023) By Kevin Collison They were topping off the $140 million Three Light project Tuesday, but big downtown investments are far from over, according to City Manager Brian Platt. In a wide-ranging interview following the ceremony for the 26-story apartment project scheduled to open in September,…
Wellness Center Planned for Former Wendell Phillips School Near 18th & Vine
(Editor’s note: This article originally was published March 13, 2023) By Kevin Collison The former Wendell Phillips school near the 18th & Vine District is slated to become a community wellness center serving the neighborhood and a new affordable housing project planned across the street. Urban Catalyst Inc. has acquired the school at 24th and…