KCRag Forum

FangKC wrote: ↑Sun Apr 07, 2024 1:30 pm When I look at these photos, I focus on the wasted space fronting the east side of Broadway because of the IRS Processing Center's set-back. It seems such a waste.

It is. Seeing the interior of the IRS is even more depressing. A 3/4 empty parking garage in the MIDDLE of tax season. It’s wild how much space is flagrantly wasted with this facility.

I've thought about what happens to that complex once the IRS processing needs are reduced by online filing to the point they don't need that space any longer and start consolidating all the processing centers into just one final one.

Does Fed Ex take it over as a processing center? Amazon fulfillment center? Future Amazon-killer fulfillment center?

The IRS center, like the Star printing plant, might be too purpose-built to be reusable. Though, even if the facility stays, the "moat" could at least be filled in...

TheLastGentleman wrote: ↑Sun Apr 07, 2024 10:25 pm The IRS center, like the Star printing plant, might be too purpose-built to be reusable. Though, even if the facility stays, the "moat" could at least be filled in...

Would you follow the guides of the interior court yard and extend the “rectangles” towards the west.

Build a baseball stadium over the top of the garages.

Why wait for the IRS to leave? Kick them to the curb and bulldoze that horrible new building tomorrow. It’s not like anyone will miss them.

FangKC wrote: ↑Sun Apr 07, 2024 10:14 pm I've thought about what happens to that complex once the IRS processing needs are reduced by online filing to the point they don't need that space any longer and start consolidating all the processing centers into just one final one.

Does Fed Ex take it over as a processing center? Amazon fulfillment center? Future Amazon-killer fulfillment center?

They’ve been consolidating processing facilities, but fortunately, and unfortunately, it seems KC is one of the points to which the consolidation is going to. So we’re stuck with them for the long haul it looks like.

I understand the building is not very pretty and I agree seems like a lot of wasted space but my guess is it was built exactly to spec when it was constructed. AS mentioned if they consolidate to one facility it's nice to know KC is the spot and those jobs ultimately help the METRO. KC has a very positive reputation for it's workforce and I'm sure that is playing a roll here. Just like how the Ford plat is consistently ranked amongst Ford's most efficient and best production facilities it helps guarantee work. So I'm all for keeping the jobs here and once the final consolidation is done perhaps look at redeveloping the unused portions or relocate the IRS to another building within the downtown area (newly build or an existing renovated) and then look to redevelop the IRS building into something else. Not sure what you would want to do with it beside more residential

Broadway used to run in between the new building and the old post office and then made a dog leg to hit West Penway. Bring the north-south portion of Broadway back then continue south with a tunnel under the park. Most of the current Broadway through PVP could be vacated for a local 2 lane park drive and both sides of PVP could be connected and safe for pedestrians to access.

There is experience locally to tunnel. Hunt Midwest has done it with Subtropolis and Martin Marietta at Randolph mines. My brother used to supervise limestone extraction in underground mines.

Broadway is a funny street. If you come into downtown from the northland across the Buck O'Neil Bridge, in the space of just under five miles you drive on six differently-named segments without making a right or left turn.
- Broadway
- West Pennway
- Penn Valley Dr (signed as Broadway, but KCMO Parcel Viewer calls it PVD)
- Broadway
- Mill Creek Parkway
- Baltimore Ave (the city signs it as both Baltimore and MCP depending where you look)

Meanwhile, there are two completely disconnected parallel street segments that are called Broadway.

Eon Blue wrote: ↑Tue Apr 09, 2024 7:56 am Broadway is a funny street. If you come into downtown from the northland across the Buck O'Neil Bridge, in the space of just under five miles you drive on six differently-named segments without making a right or left turn.
- Broadway
- West Pennway
- Penn Valley Dr (signed as Broadway, but KCMO Parcel Viewer calls it PVD)
- Broadway
- Mill Creek Parkway
- Baltimore Ave (the city signs it as both Baltimore and MCP depending where you look)

Meanwhile, there are two completely disconnected parallel street segments that are called Broadway.

A City That Works(TM)

GRID wrote: ↑Sun Apr 07, 2024 10:40 pm Build a baseball stadium over the top of the garages.

But also build more parking. 1 parking spot per seat to make the KC residents happy.

Chris Stritzel wrote: ↑Sun Apr 07, 2024 11:18 pm Why wait for the IRS to leave? Kick them to the curb and bulldoze that horrible new building tomorrow. It’s not like anyone will miss them.

Good idea! They are a tenant, not the owner.

DaveKCMO wrote: ↑Thu Apr 11, 2024 4:36 pm

Chris Stritzel wrote: ↑Sun Apr 07, 2024 11:18 pm Why wait for the IRS to leave? Kick them to the curb and bulldoze that horrible new building tomorrow. It’s not like anyone will miss them.

Good idea! They are a tenant, not the owner.

And the land owner doesn’t give AF honestly, they just want their check, and they know the IRS doesn’t bounce. I doubt the Royals could ever make an offer worth it to them, nor would the IRS give up a pretty purpose built facility, but we can dream I suppose.