Status and future of the River Market area??

[DaveKCMO]

Maybe it was going to take too long to get started and finish?

[kas1]

I'd be skeptical of anything from Arnold. The only reason 2nd and Delaware actually happened is because a contractor lowballed a bid, built almost half of the project, then tried to renege on the promised price because it wasn't anywhere in the ballpark of reality. Yet for some reason the developer continues to insist that it's viable to build massive concrete bunkers in a market where everyone else is struggling to turn a profit with wood-frame buildings. It's all pretty bizarre to me.

It has been a long time but iirc, the theory is that the long run O&M costs will be so much less than average that they will be saving funds despite spending significantly more upfront. Also, I believe they received an equity investment from Berkshire Hathaway which removes the high costs associated with a loan.

Sure. But their construction costs will end up being around $340,000 per unit while other projects of comparable scale downtown are built for around $200,000-$250,000 per unit. It takes an awfully long time for a single apartment unit to rack up $100,000 in expenses for heating and cooling. I'd love to be wrong about this, but I just don't see it.

[ToDactivist]

probably a marginal deal BUT be happy he is completing it vs the alternative...

[flyingember]

Sure. But their construction costs will end up being around $340,000 per unit while other projects of comparable scale downtown are built for around $200,000-$250,000 per unit. It takes an awfully long time for a single apartment unit to rack up $100,000 in expenses for heating and cooling. I'd love to be wrong about this, but I just don't see it.

At $100 cheaper utilities per month (unlikely) it would take 83 years to break even.

They'll end up renting at a premium to someone who wants to be green.

[Gator1022]

https://cityscenekc.com/new-development ... er-market/

Updated rendering in the CityScene article.

[earthling]

It doesn't suck but a low unit count for such a large site.

[KCPowercat]

That rendering seems to only cover the front 1/2 of the lot?

[normalthings]

.

[normalthings]

It doesn't suck but a low unit count for such a large site.

There is a large "hotel" sign on the right side of the building. I didn't remember there being a hotel component to this project.

That rendering seems to only cover the front 1/2 of the lot?

I can't figure out the perspective either. The streetcar goes straight instead of turns, the background buildings are non-existent irl, there is a sign for a hotel, and the project doesn't cover the parcel.

[TheLastGentleman]

That picture definitely shows the southwest corner of 3rd and grand. Note the design of the sidewalk at the corner.





If the rendering is to be believed, I don't think the project will cover the full block

[normalthings]

At least it leaves the north half of the lot open for that long time proposed commuter rail station. /s

[langosta]

At least it leaves the north half of the lot open for that long time proposed commuter rail station. /s

You never know. I think I remember hearing Lucas talk about his desire for regional commuter rail on the radio

[Chris Stritzel]

It's a cheap rendering meant to show the main building and not the general surroundings. There will most likely be updated renderings of this as time goes on. If the parcel is large enough, this could be a Phase 1.

[ToDactivist]

At least it leaves the north half of the lot open for that long time proposed commuter rail station. /s

You never know. I think I remember hearing Lucas talk about his desire for regional commuter rail on the radio

That's encouraging in principal (from Lucas). But logistically, I'm not sure this loc is ideal for a rail line or spur?? Might I suggest I-70 ditch?

[KCPowercat]

The reason for river market is the already existing rail there if I remember correctly. Part of the Rock island.

[FangKC]

Update on River Market West project.

[FangKC]

Work to reopen Walnut between 3rd and 5th streets begins.

https://mailchi.mp/kcmo.org/work-begins ... fe669466f6

[bspecht]

VR arcade / bar coming to 310 Oak.
https://www.doubletapkc.com/

[Critical_Mass]

Is there a 310 Oak? Strange Days is 316 and north of them is their parking lot...

[FangKC]

I think it's part of the same building, but a small part of the building that sits back from the street against the alley. It appears to have two separate entrances.