Demolition on Grand and 8th - what is it?

[Nalle]

I think they started tearing down what used to be a parking garage about a week ago. Any idea what the plan is for it? The open lot parts are still intact.

[brewcrew1000]

New Downtown YMCA? Wonder when they are going to pick a location for that

[Nalle]

Yeah, I was considering that. Haven't found any mention of the YMCA final choice. Nothing's been publicized (as far as I've seen) about this block. It's getting to the point I may ask the demo workers! Or call a council.

[KCPowercat]

Which direction? Can't find anything on KIVA.

[Pork Chop]

Which direction? Can't find anything on KIVA.

Northeast corner of E 8th and Grand. It had a sign on the demolished building for UMB. It looked like hadn't been used for years or at least office part didn't.

[KCPowercat]

edit...nevermind, I can't figure out directions.

[smh]

200 E. 8th, it looks like. I see a demo permit but nothing else.

[FangKC]

I'm wondering it that is part of the "Make Grand Grand" plan. I seem to recall a small city park being built there.

Quote from a KC Star article on improvements to Grand that is no longer posted.

The vision outlined in the Grand Boulevard Streetscape Plan divides the 2½-mile stretch linking Crown Center with the River Market into four segments: the Crown Center district, the Crossroads District, the area within the Downtown Loop, and the River Market District.

For the most part, the proposal divides the current 100-foot right-of-way that much of Grand occupies into multiple zones. On the far east side would be a 14-foot-wide sidewalk bordering an 8-foot band of landscaping along the curb. There would be three lanes devoted to traffic in the center.

On the far west side would be a 20-foot-wide sidewalk bordering a 15-foot-wide bicycle lane and then another 8-foot band of landscaping along the curb.

The plan also includes small pocket parks at 18th and 20th streets, and another pocket south of the viaduct over the freeway leading to the River Market. That particular site is now a gravel lot atop a limestone outcropping and is envisioned as a new urban park with a dog park and overlook. It’s right across Eighth Street from the newly renovated Courthouse Lofts project in the old U.S. Courthouse at 811 Grand.

[Nalle]

Well that would be nice if they turned it into a park/open space. Grand is dominated far too much by concrete and needs more green leisure space around. That corner (SW?) with the abandoned office space is pretty much gone now and only rubble.

[Midtownkid]

I've always hoped for a park there, using the natural topography. It's so unique and beautiful...surrounded by grass and plants it will be even more pretty. Dog park with an overlook sounds perfect. They should try to incorporate a fountain/waterfall on the outcropping...but that would be really expensive.

Next location for a similar park: across from Hanna Rubber Co. Please!! Demo crappy Hereford Association building atop the bluff.

[smh]

I sense a parking lot, or grass lot.

[mgh7676]

Doesn't look like this parcel will be turned into a park. It is listed for sale on Copaken/Brooks website.

http://www.copaken-brooks.com/src/prope ... x?pid=1128

[FangKC]

Isn't the park supposed to be on that part sitting up on the rock outcropping?

I seem to recall a former plan to use that site for two 16-story condo buildings, and a skybridge spanning the street, across Grand from each other that never panned out--Weillington Place.

http://forum.kcrag.com/viewtopic.php?f= ... evelopment

http://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/s ... l?page=all