BlogKC » Downtown

H&R Block going buh-bye?

William Rockhill Nelson — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 01:27:18 +0000

It looks like we could be on the verge of losing another local corporate icon with news that Liberty Tax Service may make a play for H&R Block. Although this surely isn’t a surprise since Richard Breeden took over the company in 2007. He seems to be taking Block down the same path that he took Applebees, resulting in the takeover by IHOP and the slow dismantling of the local headquarters.

It will be interesting to see what happens with the new H&R Block headquarters building. The City granted enormous tax breaks for the company to move from Midtown to Downtown and provide the catalyst for the Power & Light District. Hopefully come January we won’t be greeted by day laborers in cheap Statue of Liberty costumes shouting “TAX TIME” to passers by at 12th and Main.

Cosby Hotel photos

William Rockhill Nelson — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:09:57 +0000

Check out these great photos of the Cosby Hotel, from Hyperblogal.

Historic Hotel Cosby building gets a reprieve

William Rockhill Nelson — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 13:41:09 +0000

The shameful demolition of the Hotel Cosby is on hold pending purchase of the building by Adam Jones, who has rehabbed many historic buildings around Downtown and the Westside.

KC Star: Demolition delayed.

BlogKC: Historic building to be demolished after owner’s neglect

Historic building to be demolished after owner’s neglect

William Rockhill Nelson — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 15:55:18 +0000

The KC Star reports that the historic Hotel Cosby building at 9th and Baltimore is threatened with an emergency demolition this weekend. Apparently the owner has failed to maintain the building, to the point that the brick facade is falling off. Surely the $115,000 that the City will bill him for demolition is less than it would have cost to tuck point the brick while waiting for a tenant and renovation.

The building is on the National Register of Historic Places, but so far the Historic Kansas City Foundation is silent on this issue. Our prediction is that this property will ultimately become a surface parking lot for the Union Carbide and Larue buildings next door, which the same owner redeveloped while letting the Hotel Cosby fall apart.

Author of “The Facebook Effect” to speak at the Library

William Rockhill Nelson — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 13:53:52 +0000

Social media mavens, mark your calendars for next Tuesday, July 20th. The Facebook Effect author David Kirkpatrick will be making an appearance at the Central Library. He’ll discuss his book about the rise of Facebook and Marc Zuckerberg. Copies of the book will be available for sale and autograph.

Details and RSVP online.

Holiday weekend – Riverfest, First Fridays, Beer and Film fest, and Shakespeare in the Park

William Rockhill Nelson — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 13:20:04 +0000

Lots going on this holiday weekend….

Shakespeare in the Park’s final performance of King Richard III is Saturday in Southmoreland Park, on the west side the Nelson-Atkins Museum.

New Belgium Brewery’s Clips of Faith Beer and Film Festival is touring the country and stopping in KC Friday night in Theis (Volker) Park on the south side of the Nelson-Atkins Museum. Sample many of New Belgium’s tastiest brews and see some great beer- and bike-inspired short films. Take advantage of on-site bike valet parking to avoid parking hassles.

First Fridays in the Crossroads Arts District should be lots of fun this month. The weather will be perfect for strolling and shopping.

Riverfest runs Saturday and Sunday at Berkley Park with music, carnival games, food, and of course the region’s biggest fireworks display, over the Missouri River.

And if you’re looking for something a bit more suburban, we recommend two great fireworks displays in the burbs. Blue Springs puts on a great show at the high school football stadium, while the bluff in Parkville provides a stunning setting to watch that city’s fireworks over the Missouri River.

Your tax dollars at work: The Jones Pool

William Rockhill Nelson — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 19:45:35 +0000

Ink, the KC Star’s anti-Pitch that should just be called “Bros and Hos Magazine”, has an interesting slide show from the Jones Ultra Pool in the Power & Light District. We hear that just dipping your toe in this pool’s water is enough to catch an STD.

18th Street Fashion Show

William Rockhill Nelson — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 15:00:47 +0000

Tonight the popular West 18th Street Fashion Show returns for another year in the Crossroads Arts District. It’s your chance to see local artist Peregrine Hoenig, who is currently competing on Bravo’s Work of Art reality show. The show is free, but for $35 you can get a ticket for a guaranteed seat. In case of rain it will move into the Arts Incubator and tickets will be required for entrance.

www.westeighteenthstreet.com

Event convergence Downtown Friday night

William Rockhill Nelson — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 18:55:30 +0000

For once the Star does a good job providing a heads up before something happens, rather than just reporting on it after the fact.

Downtown is the place to be Friday night. Besides the regular First Fridays in the Crossroads Arts District, the summer Zombie Walk will also be in the Crossroads, the Gay Pride Festival holds a big concert in the Power and Light District, and the City Market’s concert series features Weezer and several Emo bands.

Downtown rooftop park now open

William Rockhill Nelson — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 17:52:47 +0000

The Power & Light District’s long-delayed roof park is now open six stories above the Cosentino’s grocery store. The green roof is accessible from within Cosentino’s garage on Walnut Street, between 12th and 13th.