Civic Affairs
New Kirk Family YMCA ‘Flagship’ for Metro Association
By Kevin Collison Downtown’s new “flagship” YMCA is ready for action, but unless you’re a kid, you won’t be swimming, working out, playing basketball or participating in a myriad of other healthy activities until later this year. That’s because the Y leadership is doing a gradual roll out of their new $35 million Kirk Family…
Streetcar Riverfront Run Approved, Early 2024 Service
By Kevin Collison Streetcar service from Union Station to Berkley Riverfront Park is expected to be running by early 2024 following the unanimous approval by the Port KC board of an agreement with the KC Streetcar Authority and the KCATA Monday. The half-mile, $20.2 million extension from the current north terminus in the River Market…
Katz Proposal Purrs Past Plan Commission
By Kevin Collison Some design tweaks to a proposed apartment development that also would restore the historic Katz Drug Store in Midtown helped the project win unanimous support from the City Plan Commission Tuesday. In response to feedback from neighborhood groups and preservationists, the lower levels of the six-story apartment building now will be likely…
Crossroads Community Association Celebrates 20 Years Creating a Neighborhood
By Kevin Collison When the Crossroads Community Association began 20 years ago, its sprawling 90-block turf of old, brick commercial buildings sandwiched between downtown and Crown Center was facing an identity crisis. The area was finishing its pioneering phase that began in 1985 when artist Jim Leedy found real estate cheap enough in the deserted…
High Aspirations Wants Pavilion to Help More Black Youths During Covid
By Kevin Collison High Aspirations, a mentoring program for Black youths, wants to build a $1.5 million open pavilion by its existing facility at 803 E. 27th St. to better serve its participants during the pandemic. “We’re building the pavilion to help our young men to be able to meet and be served at full…