SSP first post

Post by **mean** » Mon Sep 22, 2003 5:02 pm

Made my very first picture post on SSP. Volker and West Bottoms. Check it if you're so inclined here:

http://www.skyscraperpage.com/forum/sho ... adid=13764

QueSi2Opie · Post by **QueSi2Opie** » Mon Sep 22, 2003 8:39 pm

There have been several cities in the Midwest and Southwest that have turned old slaughterhouse/warehouse districts into thriving neighborhoods with shopping, dining and nightlife. I still like my idea for turning the area into a true Wild West Theme Neighborhood featuring themed resturants, clubs, western/native american galleries, living history, farm animals, entertainment and activities. It could be the only one in the United States. Our lil' Sante Fe, New Mexico in the West Bottoms of KC.

Post by **mean** » Mon Sep 22, 2003 9:26 pm

I had a similar idea. Saloons and steakhouses aside native american as well as modern art galleries and lofts? I can dig it. Kansas City needs to create a new style for itself, like "urban cowboy chic" or something.

Post by **bahua** » Tue Sep 23, 2003 8:56 am

...with a side of guacamole.

I like mean's idea better. The western theme isn't KC, and it isn't real. We(at least I) want real neighborhoods, and not just solely tourist districts.

KCN · Post by **KCN** » Tue Sep 23, 2003 11:06 am

mean your pictures don't work for me

QueSi2Opie · Post by **QueSi2Opie** » Tue Sep 23, 2003 12:44 pm

bahua wrote:...with a side of guacamole.

I like mean's idea better. The western theme isn't KC, and it isn't real. We(at least I) want real neighborhoods, and not just solely tourist districts.

The Western Theme isn't KC? What's more Western than Kansas City? Dallas? Oklahoma City? Kansas City was the original Gateway to the Western Frontier. Kansas wasn't a state, only Indian Territory and then wild cattletowns. KC was the last civilized stop for Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson, Buffalo Bill and all the other "cowboys and outlaws" that use to gamble and frolick with whores down by the City Market. And les' not forget the Indians. KC was the main trading post for furs, horses and weapons with the Native Americans. There was constant activity at Fort Leavenworth and Fort Scott to control the waring tribes and to escort wagon trains along the frontier trails to Santa Fe, Oregon and California.

If anyplace is Western, it's Kansas City. We should be proud of that part of our past...as well as the part where the Black Hand division of La Costa Nostra moved into KC from NY in 1910 and set up operations in the Northeast, followed by the Pendergast and Bebop Jazz Era, the skimming of Vegas casinos in the 70s, etc. We have the Jazz District (although it could be much better) and we have the new mafia (Bill Kenney and the rest of the Missouri Gaming Commission), so let's have a Western Themed District. Or do you have a "hick" complex? Because no matter what, peeps in the East already think we're hicks regardless, and they expect some hick attractions when they come out here. Many are disappointed when they don't find them.

Post by **bahua** » Tue Sep 23, 2003 5:55 pm

I correct myself:(with Quesi's help

)

KC might have deep-seeded roots in America's Wild West past, but it's been done to death elsewhere, and to do it again here would just be redundant an unoriginal.

I stand by my statement, too, that it wouldn't be real, and people that live in KC would avoid it.

QueSi2Opie · Post by **QueSi2Opie** » Tue Sep 23, 2003 9:16 pm

bahua wrote:I correct myself:(with Quesi's help )

KC might have deep-seeded roots in America's Wild West past, but it's been done to death elsewhere, and to do it again here would just be redundant an unoriginal.

I stand by my statement, too, that it wouldn't be real, and people that live in KC would avoid it.

What's new, peeps in KC already avoid the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the Museums at 18th & Vine, the Science City at Union Station, etc.

I'm not proposing a Dodge City in the West Bottoms. I'm proposing a whole neighborhood similar to Santa Fe, NM, but w/ 24-7 attractions that would include Western restaurants (steaks, etc.), bars, live entertainment, living history, Native American and Wildlife art galleries, shops, and so on. We already have the American Royal at Kemper Arena, the American Royal Museum and the Golden Ox Steakhouse already in place. Otherwise, Kemper will rot in the West Bottoms (after a new arena is built) if we don't get some other real activity down there.

Post by **mean** » Tue Sep 23, 2003 10:51 pm

For what it's worth, I definitely wouldn't want the mayor to sign over a couple hundred mil+ and hire Radikel Citi Dezignz, Inc. to develop a Western-Themed Loft DistrictÂ® for the bottoms. There are already lofts and art studios popping up in spite of the city's neglect, and I believe that if some well-funded person bought a few buildings, fixed them up, and opened a few street-level shops w/ residential above, it'd happily blossom into yet another urban neighborhood without regard to the mayor.

I really can't believe someone hasn't already done this. 19th Century warehouse districts are hot shit.

Anyway, a true "theme neighborhood" might be a little cheesy, but I don't see anything wrong with some additional steakhouses in tribute to the stockyards of yore. And who doesn't like western-themed saloons? I don't think I'd want Wyatt Earp impersonators riding around on horses, or tumbleweeds being crafted by hand and blown across the street by industrial blowers or whatever. Just some local businesses which may or may participate in the neighborhood's western "ambience". It's almost one of those things you can't plan...it just has to spontaneously happen, otherwise you run the risk of it appearing contrived.

Whatever, ramble ramble ramble. I'd like to see every neighborhood in the city be vibrant.

GRID · Post by **GRID** » Tue Sep 23, 2003 11:07 pm

mean, nice job on ssp!

QueSi2Opie · Post by **QueSi2Opie** » Wed Sep 24, 2003 10:23 am

mean wrote:For what it's worth, I definitely wouldn't want the mayor to sign over a couple hundred mil+ and hire Radikel Citi Dezignz, Inc. to develop a Western-Themed Loft DistrictÂ® for the bottoms. There are already lofts and art studios popping up in spite of the city's neglect, and I believe that if some well-funded person bought a few buildings, fixed them up, and opened a few street-level shops w/ residential above, it'd happily blossom into yet another urban neighborhood without regard to the mayor.

I really can't believe someone hasn't already done this. 19th Century warehouse districts are hot shit.

Anyway, a true "theme neighborhood" might be a little cheesy, but I don't see anything wrong with some additional steakhouses in tribute to the stockyards of yore. And who doesn't like western-themed saloons? I don't think I'd want Wyatt Earp impersonators riding around on horses, or tumbleweeds being crafted by hand and blown across the street by industrial blowers or whatever. Just some local businesses which may or may participate in the neighborhood's western "ambience". It's almost one of those things you can't plan...it just has to spontaneously happen, otherwise you run the risk of it appearing contrived.

Whatever, ramble ramble ramble. I'd like to see every neighborhood in the city be vibrant.

Yeah, I've been to the Fire Gallery and a couple of other galleries in the West Bottoms. The area has plenty of potential, but right now it's known for haunted houses, prostitutes, an ugly arena, a steakhouse, Mike's Fireworks, UPS and Club Pendulum.

Post by **mean** » Wed Sep 24, 2003 10:04 pm

Prostitutes? I thought successful "dating" required at least a little traffic...heh.

QueSi2Opie · Post by **QueSi2Opie** » Wed Sep 24, 2003 10:09 pm

mean wrote:Prostitutes? I thought successful "dating" required at least a little traffic...heh.

They should jus' legalize prostitution in the West Bottoms and turn all those old warehouses into brothels. Than you can guarantee traffic in that area!