KCRag Forum

trailerkid wrote: ↑Wed Mar 15, 2023 2:47 pm How do we prevent future design abortions like this?

I think it would help to have CPC consist of planners and architects (instead of the hodgepodge of today). But this one was denied by CPC if memory serves and instead approved by council over resident opposition with Lucas casting the tiebreaking vote in favor.

I think design is fine the problem was the ground floor design

TheUrbanRoo wrote: ↑Wed Mar 15, 2023 3:39 pm I think design is fine the problem was the ground floor design

It is more parking than it is building in the middle of a key downtown walking corridor. It is a bad design that shouldn't have been approved. But I agree the absence of a ground floor is #1 or #2 on the list and another key issue.

It was approved by City Plan Commission with misgivings, and Lucas did cast the decisive supporting vote: https://cityscenekc.com/waddell-hq-desi ... -planners/

Design was uninspired, but it's another good sized building on a DT empty lot. We can start being super picky on design when half the plots DT aren't parking or grass.

beautyfromashes wrote: ↑Thu Mar 16, 2023 11:29 am Design was uninspired, but it's another good sized building on a DT empty lot. We can start being super picky on design when half the plots DT aren't parking or grass.

This

Although I like the idea put on here before of mandating some form of publicly accessible space. Even if it is used for internal common area or building storage until a tenant/public use is found.

It's pretty when you walk around at night at least

It's already built. I'm more worried about the parcels next to the Mainstreet Theater not getting good street-level activation.

FangKC wrote: ↑Thu Mar 16, 2023 5:51 pm It's already built. I'm more worried about the parcels next to the Mainstreet Theater not getting good street-level activation.

I'm a little less worried on that front since Cordish is likely the one to develop it and they seem to more or less "get it" despite some flaws.

So I know BCBS won't occupy this for a few more years and I'm guessing the South Loop Park will need to be nearing completion before the retail space on Truman is filled. But why not start leasing some of these studio spaces on 14th? Does anyone know what the plan is for those?

It would be really neat to have something like a high end jeweler or watch retail/repairer here. Or maybe even something not high end but fun like Annie Austen (which is opening their first storefront in Zona Rosa soon)? Space is small enough that maybe they could justify the rent?

This site plan triggered me.

Tenant Finish permit for 1400 Baltimore just issued.

KCDowntown

KCDowntown wrote: ↑Thu Nov 30, 2023 6:03 pm Tenant Finish permit for 1400 Baltimore just issued.

KCDowntown

Some details and renderings of what that may look like
https://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/ ... rters.html

I hope someone is planning what happens with the existing BCBS building in the West Yards.

FangKC wrote: ↑Fri Dec 08, 2023 8:28 am I hope someone is planning what happens with the existing BCBS building in the West Yards.

The 6.14-acre site includes the company's 201,493-square-foot office building, One Pershing Square, plus close to 5 acres of surrounding surface parking it acquired last year for "more flexibility" in considering its future real estate options. A listing price was not disclosed.

In terms of redevelopment, local real estate experts last year said Blue KC's property theoretically could support numerous possibilities, including new transit-oriented apartments, coworking spaces and public gathering areas, through either a renovation or teardown of the existing offices.

https://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/ ... liers.html

Such opulent new digs. I recall when BCBS had the lion's share of the health insurance market in KC and had humble front door HQ on Broadway across street from Uptown and back room operations at Armour and Warwick.

Crews have been moving equipment into the building the past few days. Looks like interior build-out will begin soon.