OFFICIAL - Ambassador Hotel (1111 Grand)

[geeman68]

I know. With the old courthouse/post office and 1006 Grand moving full force, hopefully the Pickwick will be picked up for reno and then the Reserve will start gaining traction and this will become a major residential hub.  Sort of a crazy thought. Hopefully we then pick up more sustainable retail and service establishements in this section of the loop. Crazy!

[macnw]

Is there some general redevelopment plan for Grand Ave from River Mkt and the southern loop? Is this the same area where Copaken is planning a office/retail bldg? What's the plan for the old library bldg?

[FangKC]

At one time, the City was looking at buying or renting space in the former library building, but I haven't heard much about it since.

As of now, there is no plan. The Board of Education, which owns the building, is planning on selling it. I also read somewhere that the old library building might be demolished for parking for the Sprint Center, but that might have been speculation on a forum.

Regardless, the library/board of education building is in need of a major rehab. It's probably full of asbestos as well.

If the City doesn't buy it (I don't know where they'd get the money at this point), I'm guessing that Jon Copaken will.  If he could control that block, it would make his parcels on Grand between 12th and 13th more valuable in that it would allow him to have more structured parking for that block and project.

[aknowledgeableperson]

At one time, the City was looking at buying or renting space in the former library building, but I haven't heard much about it since.

True but since the Water Dept has moved out along with the Parks to 63rd Street the demand for additional space has decreased.  Also, the number of layoffs has also decreased the need.

[FangKC]

Is there some general redevelopment plan for Grand Ave from River Mkt and the southern loop? Is this the same area where Copaken is planning a office/retail bldg? What's the plan for the old library bldg?

I wish they would do something to improve Grand Avenue. Even if it were little things like adding more festive planters along the street.

[MidtownCat]

Grand Avenue in its current state is an absolute embarrassment.

The gravel vacant parking lots, one demolished building after another......

I seriously cannot get over the fact that this abomination is THE main street through the heart of a major American city's downtown. 

Sad to see what we have allowed Grand to become/  It really is.

[trailerkid]

I mistakenly wrote that this hotel will be developed by Coury when it'll be managed instead.

can anyone verify if the group developing this project is the same group that just opened Luna and took over the lease for Blonde? It's sounding like Terrace on Grand, Luna, Grand Hotel, and the former Blonde space are all the same ownership group. If so I wouldn't be surprised if this hotel is sexy rather than staid. A sexy, modern, boutique hotel downtown would be a massive hit.

[NDTeve]

I mistakenly wrote that this hotel will be developed by Coury when it'll be managed instead.

can anyone verify if the group developing this project is the same group that just opened Luna and took over the lease for Blonde? It's sounding like Terrace on Grand, Luna, Grand Hotel, and the former Blonde space are all the same ownership group. If so I wouldn't be surprised if this hotel is sexy rather than staid. A sexy, modern, boutique hotel downtown would be a massive hit.

Agreed.

[KC Sporting Life]

Also agree.  Looks like the same owners.  And yes, a modern, sexy boutique hotel downtown would be killer.  I hope the deal gets done.

[KC Sporting Life]

BTW, has anyone been to Luna yet?  Is it open?  I know they hosted an event there last week.

[KC-wildcat]

BTW, has anyone been to Luna yet?  Is it open?  I know they hosted an event there last week.

I was on the list Saturday night.  Friend of a friend of the DJ.  But, didn't end up going b/c of a conflict. 

So, yeah, it's open. 

[trailerkid]

It's back! Awesome news for downtown.  8) And Coury will own it after all.

http://www.kansascity.com/2011/01/14/25 ... kc-to.html

Here's the lowdown from Yelp on Coury's Colcord in OKC:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/colcord-hotel-oklahoma-city

and the Ambassador in T-town:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/hotel-ambassador-tulsa

Maybe turn over Hotel Phillips keys to Coury while we're at it.

[trailerkid]

It looks like the restaurant might also be a nice addition to the CBD. Both the Oklahoma properties have seemingly sophisticated dining operations. 

[Highlander]

Grand Avenue in its current state is an absolute embarrassment.

The gravel vacant parking lots, one demolished building after another......

I seriously cannot get over the fact that this abomination is THE main street through the heart of a major American city's downtown. 

Sad to see what we have allowed Grand to become/  It really is.

I remember parades down grand as a kid plus after the Chief's and Royal's championships in the 70's and 80's and I was shocked to see it in its present state while back in town over the holidays.  The wall of buildings on either side is greatly diminished giving KC that look of a city that had been bombed a few years back...debris gone but nothing in its place.  It is shameful. 

[DaveKCMO]

i've not stayed in either of the oklahoma properties, despite visiting tulsa with frightening regularity. anyone stayed at the ambassador? is it better than the mayo?

regardless, great news for grand!

[KCDowntown]

The website for this project is http://www.grandhotelkc.com.  Its still just a placeholder.

KCDowntown

[KCDowntown]

The website is up (looks about halfway done) with some renderings of guest rooms.

Grand Hotel KC Website

The website mentions a ground-floor restaurant called The Founders & a March 2012 opening date.

KCDowntown

[KCPowercat]

I just heard a friend of a friend is interviewing from this place....so definately seems like movement.

[kcmetro]

The website is up (looks about halfway done) with some renderings of guest rooms.

Grand Hotel KC Website

The website mentions a ground-floor restaurant called The Founders & a March 2012 opening date.

KCDowntown

Did you catch all the grammar errors too? 

[mister816]

Did you catch all the grammar errors too?  :lol:

It's grammatical errors, and also...
I hope you did that to poke fun...

If not
FAIL