Courtesy of KU Hospital
KANSAS CITY, KAN. — The future of The University of Kansas Hospital is being celebrated as groundbreaking ceremonies officially begin construction of the Cambridge North Patient Tower at 39th and Cambridge Street, just northeast of the existing hospital buildings.
The 92-bed, 12 operating room facility will house two of the fastest growing specialty areas at the hospital: neurosciences and surgical oncology, including Ear, Nose and Throat cancers.
The 92 beds will include 28 intensive care beds. The facility will also include imaging, lab and pharmacy.
Monday, March 9, 2015
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Center for Rural Enterprise Engagement established at Kansas State University
KANSAS CITY, KAN. — A new center at Kansas State University will lead the nation in new media technology research for the improvement of small rural enterprises.
On Feb. 10, the Center for Rural Enterprise Engagement was established to help small businesses succeed through new media marketing research.
This interdepartmental effort represents a collaboration of previous federal grant funding and support from the Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
On Feb. 10, the Center for Rural Enterprise Engagement was established to help small businesses succeed through new media marketing research.
This interdepartmental effort represents a collaboration of previous federal grant funding and support from the Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.
Friday, February 27, 2015
Unified Government approves resolutions to bring Dairy Farmers of America to Wyandotte County
By NICK SLOAN, nick@kansascitykansan.com
KANSAS CITY, KAN. ----- The Unified Government Board of Commissioners approved multiple resolutions that will finalize a deal to bring the Dairy Farmers of America's headquarters to Wyandotte County.
The Unified Government will provide the project's developers with a 10-year, 75 percent tax abatement.
The Unified Government will also pay temporary financing of $4.5 million worth of street improvements. Long-term funding will be provided from the State of Kansas.
The $20 million private investment will bring over 300 jobs to Wyandotte County.
In terms of size, the building will be around 100,000 square feet in size and three stories tall.
The DFA headquarters will be located near the intersection of France Family Drive and 98th Street in Western Wyandotte County.
An initial target date for the completion of construction is November 1, 2016.
Thursday, February 26, 2015
Hollywood Casino hotel gets OK from commissioners
By NICK SLOAN, nick@kansascitykansan.com
KANSAS CITY, KAN. ---- Western Wyandotte County's newest significant economic development project got the final go-ahead Thursday night from the Unified Government's Board of Commissioners.
Commissioners voted unanimously to approve of the resolution for the Hollywood Casino's hotel. Construction is expected to begin in April, with the hotel being wrapped up by the end of 2016.
BNSF Railroad plans $103 million capital program in Kansas
KANSAS CITY, KAN. ---- BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) today announced that its 2015 capital program for its operations in Kansas will be an estimated $103 million for rail maintenance and capacity improvement projects. Unlike other modes of freight transportation, U.S. railroads own and maintain their own networks.
To ensure BNSF’s network operates at optimal efficiency, each year the company allocates capital for infrastructure and expansion projects that will enable it to serve the growing needs of customers from a broad cross section of the economy.
To ensure BNSF’s network operates at optimal efficiency, each year the company allocates capital for infrastructure and expansion projects that will enable it to serve the growing needs of customers from a broad cross section of the economy.
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Dairy Farmers of America to move headquarters to Wyandotte County
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), Kansas City’s largest private company with approximately $18 billion in revenue in 2014, has announced plans to build its new global headquarters in Kansas City, Kan.
The announcement means the company will relocate its 325 employees from space it has leased in Missouri since its formation in 1998, to a state-of-the-art building being constructed in the expanded Village West area in Wyandotte County.
Owned by more than 15,000 dairy farmers across the country, and invested in brands such as Borden Cheese, Kemps, Keller’s Creamery and Hiland Dairy, DFA is the nation’s largest milk marketing cooperative. An exporter of dairy products and powders to nearly 50 countries, DFA is also the sixth-largest global dairy company.
Thursday, December 11, 2014
‘Healthy campus’ in downtown KCK another step closer to reality
By Jim McLean
KHI News Service
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — A multimillion-dollar plan to transform this city’s downtown into a national model is one step closer to reality.
The Unified Government Board of Commissioners last week unanimously approved a new master development plan designed to help improve the health of Kansas City and other Wyandotte County residents by providing a state-of-the-art community center, more green space in which to exercise and access to healthy foods at a 30,000- to 35,000-square-foot urban grocery store.
The 8-0 vote to approve the Downtown Central Parkway Plan and its signature “healthy campus” occurred only six months after a public forum where city and county residents were openly skeptical that UG officials could move the ambitious plan from concept to reality.
“Trust was a big concern,” said Gordon Criswell, assistant county administrator. At the time of the May forum, he summarized the sentiment expressed as: “We have been let down time and time again, and so … don’t set us up to fail again.”
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Public hearing for Fairway North Shopping Center set for Dec. 4
By NICK SLOAN
NJSloan212@gmail.com
KANSAS CITY, KAN. ----- The Unified Government Board of Commissioners will hear a proposal for the redevelopment of the Fairway North Shopping Center at W. 47th Avenue and Mission Road next month.
Lane 4 Property Group, the developer proposing the plan, is looking for the area to be established as a Community Improvement District.
The development totals just over $5.5 million, which includes the redevelopment of the commercial and retail center at the location, along with infrastructure improvements.
The CID proposal would include a 1.10 percent additional sales tax that would be imposed for a 20-year term.
The public hearing will be set for Dec. 4. Residents in District 3 are encouraged to turn out.
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
LINK: Hilton Garden Inn received most dollars from federal government grant
It's a lengthy read, but check it out here.
A small portion:
In 1994, KCK received several million dollars from a federal program aimed at reversing decline in distressed communities. And downtown KCK was nothing if not distressed, after decades of out-migration and neglect. With Kansas City, Kansas, and Wyandotte County governments consolidating to form the Unified Government, political leaders were trying to get their act together to foster the core's revival.
Unlike the breakneck speed with which western Wyandotte County would soon develop, progress downtown in the 1990s was — and remains — intractably slow. Just demolishing the old Huron Building and the Civic Centre Hotel seemed to take a long time. Funding from Uncle Sam, UG leaders thought, might accelerate the pace of downtown's renewal.
The money, from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, was earmarked for the broad mandate of economic development in the urban core. Small businesses applied for loans and grants under the program, but the bulk of the funds would end up in the downtown Hilton Garden Inn, a hotel half-owned by the UG. The hotel has operated at a loss from its opening day.
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Sporting Club announces new $75 million development
By NICK SLOAN, nick@kansascitykansan.com
KANSAS CITY, KAN. ----- Wyandotte County will be home to a new U.S. Soccer National Training Center.
The $75 million project, announced tonight at Sporting Park in Kansas City, Kan., will be located at 98th Street and Parallel Parkway.
The facility will include a 100,000-square-foot indoor facility and practice field, along with eight professional "smart fields" and eight youth fields.
A 125-room full service hotel will also be included in the development.
“This is a great opportunity for us to continue to grow soccer in Kansas City and further establish being the soccer capital of America,” Sporting Club CEO Robb Heineman said. “To us, this is equivalent to bringing another sports franchise here, with the ultimate goal of helping the United States win the World Cup through youth soccer development, coaching training, advanced sports science and world-class facilities. We would like to thank Governor Brownback, Secretary of Commerce George, Mayor Holland and the rest of the Unified Government. This has been a long and complex process thus far, but we’re excited for the vision of the project and to help bring substantial economic development to the area.”
Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback said the development can help make Kansas the top destination when it comes to soccer.
"It's a fabulous and phenomenal opportunity," Brownback said. "It allows us to lay claim at being the epicenter for soccer in the United States."
The new development could generate over $1 billion worth of economic development over the next 30 years, Brownback said.
“Kansas’ strong economy and Kansas City’s reputation as a tremendous soccer city helped attract this state-of-the-art facility,” Brownback said. “As a result, our state will benefit from new jobs, investment and an economic impact that is projected to exceed $1 billion.”
Unified Government Mayor/CEO Mark Holland said the development will continue the recent momentum Kansas City, Kan., has had economically.
"This high quality training facility with structured programming along with Sporting Park, state-of-the-art soccer stadium, will undoubtedly transform Kansas City, Kan., and our region into one of the top soccer venues in the nation," Holland said. "We look forward to the new partnership with U.S. Soccer and the continued relationship with the Governor and the Department of Commerce, Sporting Club and Schlitterbahn as we continue to expound on the success of economic development projects in our community.”
KANSAS CITY, KAN. ----- Wyandotte County will be home to a new U.S. Soccer National Training Center.
The $75 million project, announced tonight at Sporting Park in Kansas City, Kan., will be located at 98th Street and Parallel Parkway.
The facility will include a 100,000-square-foot indoor facility and practice field, along with eight professional "smart fields" and eight youth fields.
A 125-room full service hotel will also be included in the development.
“This is a great opportunity for us to continue to grow soccer in Kansas City and further establish being the soccer capital of America,” Sporting Club CEO Robb Heineman said. “To us, this is equivalent to bringing another sports franchise here, with the ultimate goal of helping the United States win the World Cup through youth soccer development, coaching training, advanced sports science and world-class facilities. We would like to thank Governor Brownback, Secretary of Commerce George, Mayor Holland and the rest of the Unified Government. This has been a long and complex process thus far, but we’re excited for the vision of the project and to help bring substantial economic development to the area.”
Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback said the development can help make Kansas the top destination when it comes to soccer.
"It's a fabulous and phenomenal opportunity," Brownback said. "It allows us to lay claim at being the epicenter for soccer in the United States."
The new development could generate over $1 billion worth of economic development over the next 30 years, Brownback said.
“Kansas’ strong economy and Kansas City’s reputation as a tremendous soccer city helped attract this state-of-the-art facility,” Brownback said. “As a result, our state will benefit from new jobs, investment and an economic impact that is projected to exceed $1 billion.”
Unified Government Mayor/CEO Mark Holland said the development will continue the recent momentum Kansas City, Kan., has had economically.
"This high quality training facility with structured programming along with Sporting Park, state-of-the-art soccer stadium, will undoubtedly transform Kansas City, Kan., and our region into one of the top soccer venues in the nation," Holland said. "We look forward to the new partnership with U.S. Soccer and the continued relationship with the Governor and the Department of Commerce, Sporting Club and Schlitterbahn as we continue to expound on the success of economic development projects in our community.”
Friday, June 6, 2014
UG approves $50K study for convention center
By NICK SLOAN, nick@kansascitykansan.com
KANSAS CITY, KAN. ---- The Unified Government Board of Commissioners approved a $50,000 feasibility study for a convention center in Western Wyandotte County.
Commissioners were originally going to vote on the matter later this month, but the item was pushed forward to Thursday's agenda.
The study will examine the I-435/Village West corridor in order to find the best location for a possible convention center.
The study was recommended after UG officials had discussions with both private developers and elected officials.
UG officials believe there is "sufficient interest" in building the center in Western Wyandotte County. Unified Government Mayor/CEO Mark Holland called the potential center the "missing piece" for Western Wyandotte County.
KANSAS CITY, KAN. ---- The Unified Government Board of Commissioners approved a $50,000 feasibility study for a convention center in Western Wyandotte County.
Commissioners were originally going to vote on the matter later this month, but the item was pushed forward to Thursday's agenda.
The study will examine the I-435/Village West corridor in order to find the best location for a possible convention center.
The study was recommended after UG officials had discussions with both private developers and elected officials.
UG officials believe there is "sufficient interest" in building the center in Western Wyandotte County. Unified Government Mayor/CEO Mark Holland called the potential center the "missing piece" for Western Wyandotte County.
Thursday, June 5, 2014
UG commissioners to consider study for convention center
By NICK SLOAN, nick@kansascitykansan.com
KANSAS CITY, KAN. ----- The Unified Government Board of Commissioners will consider approving a $50,000 study on the possibility of building a convention center in western Wyandotte County.
Commissioners will consider the measure at the June 19th meeting.
If approved by commissioners, the study would aim to accomplish two items.
First, it would try to find the right location near Village West and Interstate 435. And second, the study would attempt to develop the appropriate size of the convention center.
The study would be wrapped up by the end of the year should it be approved by commissioners later this month.
KANSAS CITY, KAN. ----- The Unified Government Board of Commissioners will consider approving a $50,000 study on the possibility of building a convention center in western Wyandotte County.
Commissioners will consider the measure at the June 19th meeting.
If approved by commissioners, the study would aim to accomplish two items.
First, it would try to find the right location near Village West and Interstate 435. And second, the study would attempt to develop the appropriate size of the convention center.
The study would be wrapped up by the end of the year should it be approved by commissioners later this month.
Monday, May 12, 2014
Argentine Neighborhood Development Association announces $675,000 donation to UG
By NICK SLOAN, nick@kansascitykansan.com
The Argentine Neighborhood Development Association has announced a $675,000 donation to the Unified Government of Wyandotte County.
The $675,000 figure is a combined contribution of cash donations, property and recreation improvements in the Argentine neighborhood of Kansas City, Kan.
Specifics of the announced donation:
In recent years, new development has found its way to Argentine.
Over $1.6 million in funds were donated to build and open a new grocery store in the area, along with a new Walmart.
A similar drive was held to open a new branch of the Kansas City, Kan., Public Library.
The Argentine Neighborhood Development Association has announced a $675,000 donation to the Unified Government of Wyandotte County.
The $675,000 figure is a combined contribution of cash donations, property and recreation improvements in the Argentine neighborhood of Kansas City, Kan.
Specifics of the announced donation:
- Property valued at $500,000 was donated and will be used for the location of the new public safety campus.
- A $10,000 cash donation to the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department new equipment.
- Improved tennis courts at Emerson Park.
- Improvements to Vega Field, which include new park benches and two concrete pads for existing benches. New interior lighting will be used for restroom facilities.
In recent years, new development has found its way to Argentine.
Over $1.6 million in funds were donated to build and open a new grocery store in the area, along with a new Walmart.
A similar drive was held to open a new branch of the Kansas City, Kan., Public Library.
Friday, December 6, 2013
UG approves expansion for PQ Corporation
By NICK SLOAN, nick@kansascitykansan.com
KANSAS CITY, KAN. ----- The expansion plans for the PQ Corporation plant at 1700 Kansas Ave. were formally approved by the Unified Government at Thursday night's commissioners meeting.
The plan calls for a $219 million capital investment in the area.
Expansion of the plant will create 33 new jobs, adding to the total of 88 employees it already has.
PQ Corporation and the Unified Government agreed to a 10-year, 75 percent tax abatement on the expansion.
Based in Pennsylvania, PQ Corporation manufactures silicate and zeolite technology. It has done business in Kansas City, Kan., for nearly 100 years.
KANSAS CITY, KAN. ----- The expansion plans for the PQ Corporation plant at 1700 Kansas Ave. were formally approved by the Unified Government at Thursday night's commissioners meeting.
The plan calls for a $219 million capital investment in the area.
Expansion of the plant will create 33 new jobs, adding to the total of 88 employees it already has.
PQ Corporation and the Unified Government agreed to a 10-year, 75 percent tax abatement on the expansion.
Based in Pennsylvania, PQ Corporation manufactures silicate and zeolite technology. It has done business in Kansas City, Kan., for nearly 100 years.
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
PHOTOS: Village West Luxury Apartments
KANSAS CITY, KAN. ---- Construction of the Village West Luxury Apartments near The Legends is proceeding at a rapid pace.
Click "read more" to check out additional photos.
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Public hearing tonight for Argentine Wal-Mart
KANSAS CITY, KAN. --- A public hearing will be held tonight on the Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market project in Argentine.
Developers are seeking no more than $3.5 million in TIF funding for the project.
More information about the project:
Conduct a public hearing to consider the TIF project plan for Project Area 2 of the Metropolitan Avenue Redevelopment District (TIF). The development team of Lane 4 and Argentine Retail Developers, Inc. have proposed an approximate $9.5M, 61,400 sq.ft. retail development anchored by a 41,000 sq.ft. Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market grocery. Staff will present the development agreement at the August 26, 2013 Economic Development & Finance Standing Committee meeting. Both the TIF plan and development agreement will be presented to the full commission on August 29, 2013, for final consideration.
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Downtown MetroCenter dedication set for Friday
By NICK SLOAN, nick@kansascitykansan.com
A ceremony will be held Friday morning for the dedication of the Downtown MetroCenter.
The metro-center, which is located at 7th and Minnesota, will be dedicated at 10 a.m. on Friday.
Officials from the Unified Government, the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority and Mid-America Regional Council will mark the dedication.
The event will be held on the southeast corner of 7th Street and Minnesota Avenue.
A ceremony will be held Friday morning for the dedication of the Downtown MetroCenter.
The metro-center, which is located at 7th and Minnesota, will be dedicated at 10 a.m. on Friday.
Officials from the Unified Government, the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority and Mid-America Regional Council will mark the dedication.
The event will be held on the southeast corner of 7th Street and Minnesota Avenue.
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Kansas City Business Journal: Wyandotte County on pace for $1 billion development year
KANSAS CITY, KAN. --- While the economy continues to lag nation-wide, Wyandotte County continues to be a hot-bed for economic development.
The Kansas City Business Journal reports that Wyandotte County could see a $1 billion development record in 2013.
Key bit:
The Kansas City Business Journal reports that Wyandotte County could see a $1 billion development record in 2013.
Key bit:
A $600 million chunk of that came with the announcement early this year that GM would expand and retool its Fairfax plant. Another $128 million came with the announcement of a $128 milion expansion by PQ Corp.Full story here.
Friday, July 12, 2013
Public hearing for Argentine Wal-Mart proposal set for August 15
By NICK SLOAN, nick@kansascitykansan.com
KANSAS CITY, KAN. ---- A public hearing will be held August 15 for a new Wal-Mart on 18th Street and Metropolitan in the Argentine neighborhood of Kansas City, Kan.
The Wal-Mart will be part of the Metropolitan Avenue Redevelopment District TIF. The proposed store will be just over 41,000 square-feet in size. An additional 20,000 square-feet in retail will also be part of the TIF.
The total investment of the project is $9.5 million; up to $4.3 million in incentives could be pledged to the project.
Over 60 new jobs in Wyandotte County would be created if approved.
More information from the Unified Government agenda:
The UG Board of Commissioners approved O-51-11 on November 17, 2011, creating the Metropolitan Avenue Redevelopment District (TIF). The District was comprised of two Project Areas, at this time a Redevelopment Project Plan has been submitted for Project Area 2.
The Development team of Argentine Retail Developers and Lane 4 Property Group have proposed an approximate $9.5M, 61,400sqft Retail Development, anchored by a 41,000sqft Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market grocery. The project is asking for incentives of Property Tax TIF and Home Rule Local Sales Tax to be pledged towards project costs, in an amount not to exceed approximately $4.3M.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Public meeting to be held for State Avenue Corridor project
News Release:
In an effort to gather additional public input, the Mid-America Regional Council and the Unified Government have funded a third State Avenue Corridor public meeting on Wednesday, April 3, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Kansas City, Kansas Chamber of Commerce located at 727 Minnesota Ave., in KCK.
"This is groundbreaking planning work! Our grant enabled us to do predevelopment work such as site plans, initial proforma analysis, market research and other graphics on several sites within the corridor in hopes of encouraging high quality transit oriented development in Kansas City, Kansas," says the Director of Planning and Zoning for the Unified Government, Rob Richardson. "We are excited to share this work with the public and get feedback."
This will be the last public meeting before the ideas and input are presented to the Planning Commission. We hope that you can join us in this effort by attending and encouraging your family and friends to do so as well! We want to hear your ideas about how to make State Avenue a more vibrant and livable part of the community.
For more information contact Tyler Means, Project Manager, MARC at 816-701-8261 or tmeans@marc.org.
The State Ave. project is a partnership between the UG and MARC to revitalize the corridor into a more vibrant, green and connected street. The project is a site specific implementation of the KCK Master Plan.
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