Civic Affairs
Historic Board of Ed Building Coming Down, Home for Kraft Murals Sought
By Kevin Collison Demolition of the historic former Board of Education building at 1211 McGee is expected to begin soon, although its owner remains open to finding a new home for the colorful mosaic murals adorning it by the late Arthur Kraft. Developer Jon Copaken of Copaken Brooks, which purchased the property last September, said…
City Market Gains Bold Icon with Reconnected Walnut
By Kevin Collison Downtown has a great, new photo op, patrons have new places to relax and merchants have improved their visibility courtesy of the return of Walnut Street to the City Market after a 30-year absence. An informal dedication is expected this week for the city project which in addition to reconnecting Walnut between…
Downtown Dish Debuts, Weekly Zoom Event Promotes Food and Drink
By Kevin Collison What started as a way to promote the City Market during construction is expanding via Zoom to boost restaurants and bars throughout greater downtown struggling with Covid restrictions in what’s being billed as Downtown Dish. The 45-minute, weekly virtual conversation beginning today at noon is the creation of the KC Streetcar Authority,…
FBI Downtown HQ in Play, Northland Site Pitched
By Kevin Collison The Kansas City regional FBI office, a downtown fixture since at least 1920, is investigating a new home and is being pitched on a Northland site, although other location offers are expected including the downtown riverfront. The agency, which is currently housed in a fortress-like setting at 1300 Summit, is seeking what…
Shriners, Baptists Cancel Big KC Conventions Because of Covid
By Kevin Collison Two major conventions scheduled to come to downtown Kansas City this summer, the Shriners International and National Baptists, have cancelled because of the Covid-19 pandemic, an estimated $30 million blow to the local economy. During a sobering briefing to the Downtown Council board Thursday, Jason Fulvi, president and CEO of Visit KC,…