In The Loop: Dec 12, 2021
Your weekly email from The KC Downtown Loop
On this date in 2012, it was announced that local voters passed a ballot initiative to construct a 2.3-mile light-rail line in Downtown Kansas City. The KC Streetcar would begin operating on May 6, 2016. Here is former Mayor Sly James sharing the news:
Also on this date, in 1918, a committee formed to plan a memorial in response to the First World War met to discuss the project’s formal name. The following is what was later written in a National Historic Landmark nomination form:
“…Many proposals were set forth including a Patriots War Memorial, Heroes War Memorial, World War Memorial, Victory Memorial, Democracy War Memorial, World War Liberty Memorial, and Victory and Peace Memorial. [Attorney and Kansas City Parks Board president] Frank P. Sebree cautioned that the decision should not be hastily made and [real estate developer] Jesse Clyde Nichols suggested that the name itself might ‘have an effect on the success of the enterprise.’ [Minister and journalist] Dr. Burris Jenkins proposed the incorporation of ‘liberty,’ as the word was often used in connection with the war. Whether the memorial should emphasize war or peace was also debated. The Memorial Committee resolved on this date to consider public opinion prior to naming the memorial and its organization….”
The name “Liberty Memorial Association” was selected a year later, on December 16, 1919.
Manhole Mystery
Earlier this week, I wrote about the odd contraption my wife found under a flower bed in our yard. Read it here.
Give the gift of a Downtown Experience
Still anguishing over what to put under the tree? Maybe this list can help.
You’ve likely heard by now that Buck O’Neil was elected last Sunday to National Baseball Hall of Fame. Now, many fans of the baseball legend, and of Downtown Kansas City, have turned their sights toward the Buck O’Neil (formerly Broadway) Bridge, which is scheduled for demolition by the Missouri Department of Transportation after a new bridge, currently under construction, is opened….
City Manager Brian David Platt made this encouraging statement on Twitter Wednesday:
This is not to be confused with the Rock Island Bridge reclamation project in the West Bottoms, linking Kansas and Missouri across the Kaw River. Hopefully, we will see both projects realized in Downtown KC.
A proposed Crown Center office building for Fidelity Security Life Insurance garnered $7.5 million in tax breaks from the City Council on Thursday, causing even more controversy. Miranda Davis has the story for KCUR:
Joyce Smith of the Kansas City Star reports on metrowide openings, closings, and businesses opening soon, but I’m particularly excited about River Bluff Brewing opening December 31 in the River Market, among other Downtown establishments now open or opening soon. Here’s the full list:
In addition to the experiential Downtown gift ideas that I wrote about in this story, here’s a gift item that caught my eye: KC Soda Co.’s “12 Days of Christmas Flavor Samplers.” Contained in their marketing materials: “Samplers are $19.99 except for the weird sampler, which is $24.99 (please do not expect the weird sampler sodas to taste good. They are weird).” Later on, when listing the flavor options, they write: "Weird (these do not taste good).” Ha ha. In any case, there are plenty of good flavors to try at their City Market location, so drop in or visit their website.
Artful City: One weekly selection from a Downtown artist, gallery, or museum
Quick Clip: The city in motion—just a few seconds at a time
‘Tis the season to enjoy youth choirs from around the metro singing carols at Crown Center
Downtown Lens: A single image depicting life around the Loop
Give a friendly Downtown-Kansas City welcome to….
Fans of Keith Sweat and special guests Bell Biv DeVoe, Bobby Brown, Dru Hill, and Silk tonight at the T-Mobile Center
Participants and spectators of the Kansas City Stampede Wrestling Tournament, this Friday and Saturday at Bartle Hall
Participants and spectators of America’s Best Cheerleading Grand Nationals this Saturday and Sunday at Municipal Arena
Got a tip about Downtown KC?
Know a favorite artwork by a Downtown artist, or a piece located in a Downtown art gallery or art museum? Let me know, and I might feature it in “Artful City.”
Take a recent snapshot of Downtown that you’d like to share? Send it my way for consideration in “Downtown Lens.”
Live in a cool Downtown home, or know someone who does? Drop me a line to be considered for “Downtown Digs.”
Have an upcoming Downtown event? Let me know. Send details and links.
Know the scoop or have a question about what’s happening in your Downtown district, neighborhood, or street? Please share by sending me an email.
Write to: tips@kcdowntownloop.com
Thanks for reading!
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Until next week!
