DowntownKC.net

Sorry for the lack of stories. I finally finished moving the last couple boxes from my old place last night and am settling into my loft in the River Market. I’ve been pretty out of touch with all the happenings in these parts over the last couple weeks, but am going to spend the next few days getting caught up and will post the stories as I come across them.

The first bit of news that caught my eye is a new Cordish & Co. project that was recently approved which allows them to build a 35 story condo / luxury hotel at 13th & Main. This project still has a few more hurdles to jump through, including approval from the mayor, but it appears to be on the right track.

Story: Cordish plan for condo-hotel OK’d

Looks like the proposed residential development project at 100 Wyandotte in the river market is finally underway

Downtown housing proposed with river view (Kansas City Star)

Biggest new residential project in downtown KC since ’80s is to be built on former rail yard in River Market.

A desolate corner of the River Market is slated to be transformed into a 326-unit, upscale apartment development beginning this fall, downtown’s biggest new residential project since Quality Hill.

The Morgan Group of Houston has completed planning for a market-rate apartment complex, tentatively called 100 Wyandotte, geared toward younger professionals.

The location is an empty 7.4-acre tract that was once a Kansas City Southern rail yard and the historical starting point of the railroad referred to as “milepost zero.” The site occupies the northwest edge of the River Market overlooking the Missouri River.

“It was a great piece of property and a rare opportunity to purchase a piece that large,” said Karen Covington, a spokeswoman for the Texas company. “We think it will be a great asset to the community.”

The new residential project, which is expected to be completed in mid-2009, comes at a time when the River Market area is enjoying a marked upsurge in investment. The old Cold Storage Building recently reopened as a 224-unit apartment building, HOK Sport occupied a new headquarters building last year, and new condominium projects have been built as well.

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I’m absolutely thrilled at the idea of another upscale project being built next to the 1st & Main building along the river, especially one of this magnitude. With that opening in 2009, the 300+ unit Columbus Park project hopefully being near completion at that point, Bridgework Lofts phase II underway, the River Market, and downtown area in general, will become a very attractive place. If the River Market can keep up this momentum, it could become one of the most desirable places to live in the downtown area because of it’s urban neighborhood feel along with great views to the north (river) & south (downtown).

A GRAND BOULEVARD Rally ’round the flags (KC Star)

Grand Boulevard appears destined to become the “Boulevard of the Americas,” flying flags of more than 30 Western Hemisphere countries under a plan approved Tuesday by the park board.

Civic activist Jim Malouff has secured City Council backing and $45,000 for the project, which could get under way this year. The Downtown Council has agreed to maintain banners featuring the various flags, which will be hung permanently from light poles between Second and 28th streets.

The colorful flags “will contribute to the beautification of Grand Boulevard … and add to the ambience of downtown,” Malouff said.

The name change to Grand Boulevard of the Americas will be honorary and will not require businesses to change their formal addresses.

I think it’s an awesome idea! Anything to make downtown more unique is a great thing.