11.02.2023

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Today’s Forecast

40º | Rain/snow mix | 98% chance of rain |
Sunrise: 7:37 a.m. | Sunset: 5:12 p.m.

West Bottoms redevelopment begins

West Bottoms micro-village moves forward with new tax incentives

The right development will make this neighborhood’s hundred-year history shine. | Photo by @mikedayphotography

The 22-acre micro-village planned for West Bottoms received a major tax incentive at the end of October, positioning developer SomeraRoad to begin phase one within the month.

Along with the tax abatement, we now know the project’s timeline, goals, and potential long-term impact.

💰 Money talk

Since 2022, SomeraRoad and the city have gone back and forth on some key details: total costs, tax incentives, and potential revenue. Here’s some of what we know, according to CityScene KC.

Cost

$526 million in redevelopment costs
A special 20-year tax abatement for phases one and two
The city’s standard 15-year abatement for phases three through five

Potential revenue

$62 million over 25 years in taxes — up from the jurisdiction’s current $3 million
$58 million in potential tax revenue allotted to updating West Bottoms’ century-old infrastructure, like sidewalks and sewers

Graphic of West Bottoms Redevelopment vicinity map — Here’s the area of the micro-village.
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Photo via public records (SomeraRoad and HOK)

🏗️ Phase one

First will be the demolition of the Weld Wheel Building, aka the Ridenour-Baker Grocery Co. Building. The site will host ~300 units of multifamily housing and 10,000 sqft of commercial real estate.

Once the first wholesale grocery store west of the Mississippi, the historic building is beyond repair. Local non-profit Historic Kansas City endorsed SomeraRoad’s plans to demolish unsalvageable buildings and restore others where possible.

Phase one will continue until 2026, culminating in a public square at Union Depot — which longtime readers will know was the first Union Station.

🔮 Future phases

The whole project won’t be completed until 2038. In Billboard Hot 100 time, that’s “Bye Bye Bye” to “All About That Bass.”

The city plans to work on infrastructure simultaneously with SomeraRoad’s redevelopment, so much of West Bottoms could be redeveloped by the time the project is officially complete.

But with funding squared away (for now), all that stands between us and the new West Bottoms is a little patience.

Events

Thursday, Nov. 2

Poetry and Jazz Night | Thursday, Nov. 2 | 6:30 p.m. | Westport Coffee House, 4010 Pennsylvania Ave., Kansas City, MO | Free | Join The Writers Place and experience two classic KC arts: spoken poetry and improv jazz.
What the Constitution Means to Me | Thursday, Nov. 2 | 7 p.m. | Helen F. Spencer Theatre, 4949 Cherry St., Kansas City, MO | $35-$65 | Direct from Broadway, playwright Heidi Schreck’s boundary-breaking play imagines how the Constitution will shape the next generation.
2 Friends Artistry | Thursday, Nov. 2 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Tim Murphy Art Gallery, 6040 Slater St., Merriam, KS | Free | Meet artists Norma Marshall and Joanne Sutherland with complimentary drinks and appetizers at this opening night reception.

Friday, Nov. 3

Día de los Muertos: A Celebration of Cuisine and Culture | Friday, Nov. 3 | 6-9 p.m. | The American, 200 E. 25th St., Ste. 400, Kansas City, MO | $165 | Mark your calendar for a feast for the senses with dishes like canapé huarache with wagyu and poblano + sweet potato flan.
Bookbinding Series | Friday, Nov. 3 | 1-3:30 p.m. | Arts & Heritage Center, Makerspace, 8788 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS | Free | Learn how to make a variety of different artistic and unique books in this class for adults ages 50 and up.

Saturday, Nov. 4

Wicked Wine Walk | Saturday, Nov. 4 | 2 p.m. | Kansas City Power & Light District| $40-$60 | Sip, taste and explore downtown with live music, wine tastings and small plates at each participating venue.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Sports

Yesterday, KC Current installed the first seat at CPKC Stadium. Since seat installation is one of the final steps in development, this symbolizes that the stadium is almost ready for game day. (FOX4)

Development

Leavenworth officials broke ground on a new $531 million federal prison, replacing the town’s existing penitentiary. USP Leavenworth, built in 1897, was the first maximum-security prison in the country. (KAKE)

Civic

On the Tuesday, Nov. 7 ballot: whether or not KC will continue a three-eighths-cent sales tax that provides 30% of the funding for public buses. A “yes” vote will renew the tax through 2033, while a “no” vote would eliminate bus routes across the city. (KCUR)

Drink

The Roasterie will celebrate its 30th anniversary Friday, Nov. 3-Saturday, Nov. 4 with an in-cafe birthday party. Try the limited-time Birthday Cake Latte with a donut from Mr D’s Donut Shop, with 100% of proceeds donated to 30 local nonprofits.

Opening

Watch your step. National LEGO buy-sell-trade chain Bricks & Minifigs will open its first metro location at the former KC Maker Studio in Mission. Head to the store’s grand opening on Saturday, Nov. 4 at 10 a.m. (Shawnee Mission Post)

Closed

d’Bronx Authentic Deli & Pizzeria will not reopen its Mission location after closing its doors this past week for unknown reasons. Only the Overland Park location remains after closures in Crown Center and Midtown. (Shawnee Mission Post)

The Buy

The Buy 11.02.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)

These best-selling women’s fleece-lined leggings. Choose either one or three pockets and rock them for daily wear or outdoor activities.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Dayten

From the editor

In case we haven’t met — or in case it’s been a while — I’m your friendly neighborhood National Content Editor, Dayten Rose. I help out with our newsletters across the country, but as luck would have it, I’m based in KC.

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