Westport

[smh]

I think it would be way smarter to just have Broadway flow as it does now. That plaza should just be an extension of the sidewalk in front of Mills (as others have suggested.)

If the illustrated plan was implemented that intersection would get crazy and you'd have some drunk person either ramming into the plaza, sidewalk bump-outs...or drive the wrong way down Broadway. Also this cuts the plaza off from the sidewalk with what would be heavy traffic. Making it contiguous with the sidewalks to the east would create a large patio space with no crossing traffic to get there!

If you just bump out the plaza (which makes a ton of sense, mind you) and forego the larger square then there is no opportunity for privatization and implementation of "Nigro/Kelly's/Beer KC Presents Westport Live!".

[chaglang]

Everyone planning this like we don’t live in Kansas City. After the WRBL, HKC, and the Broadway merchants get ahold of this, we will get a privatized surface parking lot with maybe 2 trees.

[DaveKCMO]

Everyone planning this like we don’t live in Kansas City. After the WRBL, HKC, and the Broadway merchants get ahold of this, we will get a privatized surface parking lot with maybe 2 trees.

True. I was surprised how well they embraced our temporary design for the 2014 Better Block, but it was nowhere near as disruptive as some of these "public square" designs. Ours eliminated no parking or travel lanes, but there's so much excess asphalt there we were able to reclaim a LOT of space.

[FangKC]

KMBC 9 reports that Jerusalem Cafe on Westport Road will move down the street to the former Qdoba building.

[DaveKCMO]

KMBC 9 reports that Jerusalem Cafe on Westport Road will move down the street to the former Qdoba building.

I totally predicted this. Everyone was all butthurt about the "chains" moving into the former parking lot redevelopment, but now this!

[brewcrew1000]

How is Sama Zama still in business? I like the place but it always seems dead

[bobbyhawks]

How is Sama Zama still in business? I like the place but it always seems dead

^ This +1.

[beautyfromashes]

Can someone reopen Harling’s already?! Much appreciated.

[KCtoBrooklyn]

How is Sama Zama still in business? I like the place but it always seems dead

Looks like Sama Zama is proposing to move to 39th and Central in the long-vacant former 7-11. A second floor will be added on the building for offices.

This is definitely an improvement for the longtime eyesore, but I still would have rather seen this demolished and redeveloped (along with the lots behind).





Also, I recently noticed some serious site prep work happening down the street, I assume for the proposed hotel at former site of XO.

[chaglang]

That might be what kills SZ. That 7-11 seems like a huge step down from their current location.

[brewcrew1000]

That might be what kills SZ. That 7-11 seems like a huge step down from their current location.

Maybe they think people will have easier access to parking if they move

[beautyfromashes]

That might be what kills SZ. That 7-11 seems like a huge step down from their current location.

Maybe they think people will have easier access to parking if they move

Buying a building will give them price and location security. I really think rents will skyrocket in the area in the next several years and many places will be priced out.