KCRag Forum

I was able to get a whopping two likes to the FB page from sharing the link on my own. Every little bit though....

demolition isn't imminent, but it's still an option being considered. another review of the structure is underway. the neighborhood association has made it clear to the developers that they oppose demolition. lane's quick departure was apparently due to some unsafe conditions not directly related to the basic structure (dead pigeons, A/C units suspended above people, etc.). the historic kc foundation has been briefed on the project. also good to hear the developers are supportive of the streetcar on main.

Hanna Rubber site plan also considers salvaging Lane Blueprint building

The first report from engineers was that the building was too structurally weak to be reused. But a “Save the Lane” effort has been launched on Facebook, and this week Sporting Kansas City representatives met with the Crossroads Community Association.

“We’ve agreed to send engineers and construction people back to the building to see if there’s something we could do,” said Chase Simmons, the attorney representing Sporting Kansas City.

“We’re not predisposed to tearing it down. … we want to make sure it’s a safe building.”

KCMax wrote:Hanna Rubber site plan also considers salvaging Lane Blueprint building

The first report from engineers was that the building was too structurally weak to be reused. But a “Save the Lane” effort has been launched on Facebook, and this week Sporting Kansas City representatives met with the Crossroads Community Association.

“We’ve agreed to send engineers and construction people back to the building to see if there’s something we could do,” said Chase Simmons, the attorney representing Sporting Kansas City.

“We’re not predisposed to tearing it down. … we want to make sure it’s a safe building.”

Just FYI.............bullshit. Such pronouncements should be seen as offensive, because they play upon the ignorance (understandable, just no experience) of the general public.

Lying is not acceptable and yes, that goes for attorneys, too.

If Sporting Kansas City is going to say the building is unsafe on the premise that a historic building needs to be demolished, then they should explain why it is specifically unsafe, and what it would cost to stabilize it and reuse it. Many things can make a building unsafe and may be temporary: mold, old wiring, pigeon droppings in the attic, asbestos exposure.

We have two examples of buildings that were basically ruins that were reused. The former freight building at 2nd and Walnut, and the carriage house behind the house at W. 11th and Jefferson that was renovated by Shirley Helzberg into office space.

Both had no roof when restoration began. Walls has crumbled.

When a company seeks public incentives to pursue a project, and a historic building is involved, these questions must be answered to the public's satisfaction before any decision is made.

And when a building of that vintage exists in the project, all efforts should be made to save it.

Sporting KC's Sporting Innovations seeks $2.8 million in tax abatements to renovate Hanna Rubber Company building.

http://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/n ... a=e_du_pub

if you oppose demolition of the lane building, please email council@kcmo.org and ask them to ensure the developer doesn't use this abatement for demolition of a historic structure.

Done.

Contact Mayor James as well.

http://www.kcmayor.org/contact

Sports software company close to moving into Hanna Rubber building

The historic Hanna Rubber Co. is close to becoming the home of a new sports-oriented software development company, a $16 million downtown renovation project that’s expected to accommodate about 100 employees.

A Kansas City Council committee unanimously endorsed the redevelopment plan for the six-story building at 1511 Baltimore St. Wednesday and the full Council is expected to approve the project today.

Sporting Innovations, an offshoot of the Sporting Kansas City professional soccer organization, wants to locate its growing software business which develops applications for smart phones and other devices which fans can use to enhance sports events.

Attorney Chase Simmons, who is representing Sporting Innovations, said the developer now has agreed to review whether the 1889 structure can be saved.

Do you think they are serious about saving it? In general these owners seem to do things the "right way", so I'll give them the benefit of the doubt.

If anyone is interested in buying it, step forward. I believe the estate wanted to sell both buildings and the attached lots as a single package.

The article reference's the 'need to attract and retain a young, energetic work force willing to work 80 hours a week' - so much for it being on my list of potential places to work

Hanna Rubber will move to building along Southwest Boulevard

The company is leasing 32,000 square feet at 908 W. 25th St., near Boulevard Brewing Co. ’s plant. It leaves behind its historic building at Truman Road and Baltimore Avenue in the Crossroads Arts District, which will be renovated by Sporting Innovations, an entertainment software firm with ties to Sporting Kansas City owner OnGoal LLC.

I saw a crane behind the former Hanna Rubber building, and the parking lot is fenced off. Does anyone know what they are doing?

If I read the permits right, they're spending over $7 million and the permits cover the building and about everything (elevator, eletrical, fire sprinkler, plumbing, mechanical, general building itself, etc.). From Google Maps, it looks like they're probably doing something about that AC unit with the cranes.

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someone told me it was going to be demolished as part of the UMKC arts campus. i really don't want to believe that, but the source was someone who would probably know. the historic society has been alerted. i'm keeping an eye on permits for 1520 main.

Drove by the Lane building today...I don't know if they are planning on demolishing it, but with the fresh new traffic cones up all around the building, it certainly looks like they are getting ready to tear it down...

Okay so who's going to chain themselves to the building?

For real though, anyone who would tear this building down is short-sighted and cruel. God if I only had the money...

There is no open demolition permit... yet.