KCRag Forum

This is a half block from a new hotel of similar size (with an accompanying garage) that was built with zero incentives. The only reason they need such huge incentives for this project is because they want to build something more luxurious than what the market can support. Approving this project just sends a message to developers that if they build something without public financing then they're at risk of the city giving millions of dollars to a competitor to build something nicer which targets the same customers. This is a bad project, and approving the incentives package would set a terrible precedent. TIFs should be used for projects which create something of value for the public, and the public doesn't benefit at all from having a hotel that has really really really nice bathrooms.

beautyfromashes wrote: ↑Fri Apr 26, 2019 1:43 pm

DaveKCMO wrote: ↑Fri Apr 26, 2019 10:34 am Good politicians work best when they're re-elected.

I disagree. Good politicians make the choice best for their constituents instead of just worrying about their re-election. Bad politicians pander. Good politicians lead.

Don't ever run for office. It would be a huge waste of resources if you never respond to public opinion.

DaveKCMO wrote: ↑Fri Apr 26, 2019 2:54 pm Don't ever run for office.

I agree with a lot of you that incentives for a "ultra uber extra luxury +" hotel like this don't seem to be the best use of the program.

however

I'm desperate to see ANYTHING developed around the Kauffman Center and this building, architecturally, seems like the perfect fit for that site.

TheLastGentleman wrote: ↑Fri Apr 26, 2019 4:04 pm I agree with a lot of you that incentives for a "ultra uber extra luxury +" hotel like this don't seem to be the best use of the program.

however

I'm desperate to see ANYTHING developed around the Kauffman Center and this building, architecturally, seems like the perfect fit for that site.

What would you think of a development like the Marriot Courtyard being done on this lot? No incentives, fills the lot, and is pretty sizable

normalthings wrote: ↑Fri Apr 26, 2019 5:36 pm What would you think of a development like the Marriot Courtyard being done on this lot? No incentives, fills the lot, and is pretty sizable

What did you think about the Home2Suites development? It’s on the streetcar line, is ugly as hell and we had to redo the road system to get them the land. What about McCown Gordon, a construction company, getting TIF to tear down an existing building and building another not even as tall? At least this one is being built on empty lot.

beautyfromashes wrote: ↑Fri Apr 26, 2019 6:30 pm

normalthings wrote: ↑Fri Apr 26, 2019 5:36 pm What would you think of a development like the Marriot Courtyard being done on this lot? No incentives, fills the lot, and is pretty sizable

What did you think about the Home2Suites development? It’s on the streetcar line, is ugly as hell and we had to redo the road system to get them the land. What about McCown Gordon, a construction company, getting TIF to tear down an existing building and building another not even as tall? At least this one is being built on empty lot.

Not to take away from your point, but McCown Gordon didn’t tear down a building. They renovated an existing building and added a floor.

normalthings wrote: ↑Fri Apr 26, 2019 5:36 pmWhat would you think of a development like the Marriot Courtyard being done on this lot? No incentives, fills the lot, and is pretty sizable

I mean, sure, I guess, as long as it compliments the kauffman. If it looks like the courtyard then hard no.

What would you think of a development like the Marriot Courtyard being done on this lot? No incentives, fills the lot, and is pretty sizable

It's not what we think. It's what the non-profit who owns the land thinks. If a developer came wanting to build a development like the Marriott Courtyard, they may be told, "I'm sorry, that doesn't fit our vision. Thanks but no thanks." by the PAC. Biz Journal article stated the non-profit had been pitched several development proposals. This was the first they approved of, so they are choosing to re-parcel the land and sell off part of it to this group.
This empty lot has not been up for sale on the open market, from what I can tell. We will only ever see PAC-approved proposals.

beautyfromashes wrote: ↑Fri Apr 26, 2019 6:30 pm

normalthings wrote: ↑Fri Apr 26, 2019 5:36 pm What would you think of a development like the Marriot Courtyard being done on this lot? No incentives, fills the lot, and is pretty sizable

What did you think about the Home2Suites development? It’s on the streetcar line, is ugly as hell and we had to redo the road system to get them the land. What about McCown Gordon, a construction company, getting TIF to tear down an existing building and building another not even as tall? At least this one is being built on empty lot.

Also, not sure their HQ is a TIF. Abatement, perhaps.

DaveKCMO wrote: ↑Fri Apr 26, 2019 9:43 pm Also, not sure their HQ is a TIF. Abatement, perhaps.

https://s3.amazonaws.com/TIFC-Plans/9th ... 554%29.PDF
TIF Plan: Abatement of property taxes at 75%.

Latest TIF Packet mentions that the renovation of 1616 Broadway as a "performing arts rehearsal hall" is now part of the Hotel Bravo plan.

KCDowntown

KCDowntown wrote: ↑Mon May 06, 2019 12:39 am Latest TIF Packet mentions that the renovation of 1616 Broadway as a "performing arts rehearsal hall" is now part of the Hotel Bravo plan.

KCDowntown

Isn't that Quixotic's place?

Hotel Bravo project returns to TIF Commission Wednesday.

TIF Commission Agrees to Study Luxury Hotel Plan–Reluctantly

https://cityscenekc.com/tif-commission- ... luctantly/

The latest news is that the Tif Commission is delaying their decision on this project. Per the Kansas City Business Journal.

After hours of discussion Wednesday, Kansas City’s Tax Increment Financing Commission put off a vote on incentives for a proposed luxury hotel development to be located near the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.

The commission is set to debate and vote on the project at its next meeting, on June 12. Ultimately, the Kansas City Council will make the final determination on the incentives.

Waiting until after the election

normalthings wrote: ↑Wed May 08, 2019 5:54 pm Waiting until after the election

Yeah, that’s weak.

And also kind of beautiful

beautyfromashes wrote: ↑Wed May 08, 2019 7:13 pm

normalthings wrote: ↑Wed May 08, 2019 5:54 pm Waiting until after the election

Yeah, that’s weak.

I have a feeling there is a second reason why.

The City surely has to be looking at how granting incentives to another hotel--when the market is already saturated--is a bad political move. They also need to be looking at how granting incentives to another hotel will only hurt business at hotels already getting incentives. Most of those hotels were given incentives for the purpose of renovating, or converting, an old/obsolete building that might otherwise sit empty and cause blight issues for neighboring properties. The City had compelling reasons to give incentives other than just adding hotel rooms to the market.