And the stadium is facing the wrong direction.
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
Isn't Barney Allis Plaza owned by the convention department?rxlexi wrote:While I'm happy to see the hubbub surrounding Washington Square Park, I'm not sure that I understand the intense focus there when Barney Allis plaza is much better situated as a tourist draw and could (SHOULD) be redone more easily, and Penn Valley is a legit central urban park with tons of natural potential that is almost entirely underutilized despite some great recent efforts.
IMO, either of those two options make more sense tackle with this kind of gusto. Ideally of course, let's see major improvements to all three!
If so, I didn't know; thanks for the info.Isn't Barney Allis Plaza owned by the convention department?
barney allis' problem isn't just one of design. it's four sides are fronted by low foot traffic places -- big-setback marriott, garages, municipal, and the never-ending concrete walls of bartle. it's the same problem penn valley park has, but on a much smaller scale.rxlexi wrote:Barney Allis doesn't have to become an amazing city park, just a better public space. As I mentioned, I think a dense and well-curated sculpture park/garden would be a nice draw here. Add a revamped cafe/bar and you have another potential downtown attraction. The space itself, while elevated, is nicely closed in and has a very urban feel; it should amount to more than it is currently, IMO.
All excellent points, particularly Bartle. But you're also across the street from downtown's largest hotel, and the Muni which at least provides a variety of nighttime/weekend and family activities vs. an office block. Potentially very close to a new convention hotel as well.barney allis' problem isn't just one of design. it's four sides are fronted by low foot traffic places -- big-setback marriott, garages, municipal, and the never-ending concrete walls of bartle. it's the same problem penn valley park has, but on a much smaller scale.
The foot traffic is hit or miss...when something is going on, all 4 sides are super busy with foot traffic....and 12th and Wyandotte both almost always got foot traffic on it.DaveKCMO wrote:barney allis' problem isn't just one of design. it's four sides are fronted by low foot traffic places -- big-setback marriott, garages, municipal, and the never-ending concrete walls of bartle. it's the same problem penn valley park has, but on a much smaller scale.rxlexi wrote:Barney Allis doesn't have to become an amazing city park, just a better public space. As I mentioned, I think a dense and well-curated sculpture park/garden would be a nice draw here. Add a revamped cafe/bar and you have another potential downtown attraction. The space itself, while elevated, is nicely closed in and has a very urban feel; it should amount to more than it is currently, IMO.
if you want a successful downtown park, put one where there is potential for regular foot traffic. the transformation of oppenstein is a good example (made more attractive just by adding tables and consistent maintenance/cleaning).
I have this thought every time I cut through BA Plaza (pretty regularly). The cafe could be refurbished into a nice bar, the tennis courts into a landscaped area with long tables, even if only for events.Demosthenes wrote:I think the beer garden idea is best for Barney Allis Plaza. In my opinion, this is already a pretty solid public space. The access really isn't that bad, and come on... it is in the center of downtown, surrounded by lots of activity. There just needs to be a little bit more to draw people up. I think a beer garden would be a really big draw.
Office workers on break and after work would use this regularly. This block is surrounded by thousands of hotel rooms and a convention center... which means there would be a lot of out of towners looking for something like this right outside their hotel room. I think this is a lovely idea. I can imagine drinking beers while relaxing in Barney Allis... and it is an enjoyable thought.
huh?macnw wrote:Boulevard could make a nice downtown statement by investing in the "core". Surely would be appreciated by most downtowners.
I'm sure that people looking where to put conventions want to see things to do nearby. P&L has helped here, but I can't imagine that taking some of the properties nearby and doing something would hurt.KCPowercat wrote: The foot traffic is hit or miss...when something is going on, all 4 sides are super busy with foot traffic....and 12th and Wyandotte both almost always got foot traffic on it.
It just needs to be more inviting...the picnic tables sitting on pebbles and now missing tennis court just don't seem to be enough.
think as someone from Lee's Summit. Boulevard is in an industrial district, not downtown. If you live downtown the view is different but I can tell you that 99.99% of people in the city won't drive down SW Blvd.zonk wrote:huh?macnw wrote:Boulevard could make a nice downtown statement by investing in the "core". Surely would be appreciated by most downtowners.