KC Business Journal Editorial on Downtown

[FangKC]

Sept. 8, 2003
The Business Journal of Kansas City
OPINION

Opportunity beckons

We've often said Kansas City needs to make a big and bold move to kick-start Downtown into becoming a vibrant, place-to-be destination.

The evidence suggests such a golden opportunity may be nearing. Three heavy hitters in development -- DST Systems Inc., Executive Hills Inc. and UMB Bank -- own key parcels in the South Loop that could become home to a new headquarters for H&R Block and/or a new arena.

It's too early to say whether this evidence will become an eventuality.

It's too early to say whether this opportunity is a happy confluence of the owners' altruism or a grateful dovetailing of their individual financial interests and the metro area's greater good or simply the invisible hand of the market creating fertile ground for rebirth.

It's not too early to say more openness by the city would help rather than hinder putting together the best deal.

Regardless, this looks good for Downtown. The land to be assembled for a Block headquarters and/or an arena sits comfortably in the hands of people intimately involved in Downtown's redevelopment. An arena and a headquarters site on the land would provide a splendid foundation for further retail and residential growth.

Let's hope the evidence bears up.

© 2003 American City Business Journals Inc.