Misc Crossroads News

[KCPowercat]

get ready for a flurry of announcements east of grand this year, in addition to what's already been reported...

Will they be claimed as "streetcar" developments?

[scooterj]

http://fox4kc.com/2014/11/20/482563/

moron driver fleeing police brings down the building at 18th and Oak.

So is the owner ever going to get around to actually fixing this building, or has he chosen the let-it-crumble-into-restaurant-parking method of building maintenance that is so common in the Crossroads?

[loftguy]

I'm told that he has no ability ($) to repair.

He is offering for sale to a buyer who would then repair to their own specs.

[grovester]

I wonder why his insurance company didn't assist in that regard.

[loftguy]

Insurance?

[grovester]

Did not know that was an option. How is it possible to own uninsured commercial property? That would seem to be a public safety issue.

[loftguy]

If there is a lender carrying a mortgage, the lender typically dictates that insurance is required.

There are no statutes that require a property owner to carry insurance. It's an individual choice.

[scooterj]

A dumb individual choice.

[loftguy]

I think the owner would agree at this point...

[grovester]

I'll assume the wacked out driver was uninsured as well.

[flyingember]

A dumb individual choice.

maybe not in this case. being historic it probably cost more to have insurance than to repair the building. and if the owner can't afford one they couldn't afford the other.

[joshmv]

I noticed 1709 Walnut being fixed up by Big Brothers & Big Sisters.

[FangKC]

Glad to see that happening.

The block in the Crossroads that I'm really surprised haven't already become more vibrant retail strips are the two blocks of McGee from 17th to 19th streets. There are many intact small retail buildings there that are perfect for new local businesses that can't afford being inside the Loop, but would benefit from being so close to it. I know there are some smaller retail businesses that have set up there, but not as many as one might have expected for such an intact set of blocks.

I'm hoping Screenlands Crossroads give that strip a big boost.

IMO, the City should have invested in upgrades for those two blocks by now--like they have done with the retail strip on Troost between 31st and Linwood--improved sidewalks, street lighting, landscaping, street trees, etc. There more individual retail spaces along that two block stretch as there are in any two-block stretch in the Power & Light District. I would predict that these two blocks would have provided a bigger return on investment for the City than the Troost retail strip investment because the Crossroads is a hotter development node than the Troost corridor.

[DaveKCMO]

good news! the broken building at 18th & oak has a new owner that is shopping tenants.

[DaveKCMO]

- double shift brewery will open july 11
- brewery emperial has a facebook page
- the sundry and pezzettino are now offering improved dinner service
- KC youth symphony has relocated to film row (from mission)
- the boulevard/central sign on southwest boulevard has a new owner, expect changes soon
- a redevelopment proposal is in the works for the old missouri valley electric building at 1640 baltimore
- kemper in the crossroads is now open a few days every week, not just first fridays

[Midtownkid]

- kemper in the crossroads is now open a few days every week, not just first fridays

Great to hear about the Kemper. Always thought there hours were frustrating.

I wish they would change up their collection more often and make use of the adjacent room more, too.

I understand budget constraints...it's just a shame. They have such a large and interesting collection.

[archiKC]

Bulldog is being replaced with Ruins Pub.

according to the article, the bar theme will be based off of trendy Budapest "ruins bars", will have mismatched furniture, old cartoons projected on the walls, and 40 self-serve beer taps.

http://www.kansascity.com/news/business ... 33854.html

I think you have to sign in to read if on PC. I had no problem reading it in full on my phone.

[archiKC]

the 40 self-serve beer taps is the part that interest me. I've never heard of that before. The article says customers pay via radio frequency identification. Anyone seen or done that before?

[earthling]

RFID beer taps, cool. I'm guess you get an RFID tag tied to a credit card.

[archiKC]

http://pourmybeer.com/

I think this is really cool. swipe your card, get your pour. I'm curious if allowing people to pour their own drinks = more drinks bought. Its an experience you cant get at any other bar.

Also, i just quickly googled budapest ruin bars. These look like fun places to check out, but i wonder if this concept would make more sense in the west bottoms, or at least a location in the crossroads with a small side or back alley. It seems that two of the things that makes these bars so successful are trees/plantings in relation to ruined, dilapidated buildings and weird nick-knacks and art pieces up above your head. I don't see how the selected location will be able to replicate this atmosphere successfully.