Drove by today and noticed that some fairly substantial work was being done on the western exposure of the Cosby Hotel.

Looked like the western side had been opened up, framed out, and fresh sheathing attached. Don't know if this is just a short-term fix or if this is a new base layer against which a frick facade will be erected.

I'll try to take some pictures later.

Happiness.

I wish they could work out a situation where they rent parking from the Catholic Diocese, TenMain Center, or the parking lot up at 9th and Wyandotte, so that they could build a new wing on the west side of the building. I would love to see the street wall rebuilt on that side instead of that ugly gap being there.

If parking could be worked out, it would seem to me that the owner could make more money on that parcel by having rentable office or retail space than parking. He could almost double the rentable space with a wing.

I walk past this building today, and they have the Tyvek up, and are starting to erect the new brick facade on the west side of the building.

The only thing about this building that makes me sad is that they aren't putting up a new wing on the west side to rebuild the street wall down the south side of W. 9th Street.

On another note, I notice the former Lane Printing Building has offices in it now on the ground floor. Like all WTF situations in KC, the entrance is off the alley and the front door isn't being used at all. Does anyone know what is in the former Lane Building? I didn't see any signage.

In addition, I noticed that there was what appeared to be a call center in the first floor windows of the Union Carbide Building. No signs there either. Does anyone know what is in that building?

Union Carbide is now lofts. Interiors by El Dorado I believe.

The first floor (or two) was purchased as office space for a business.

Awesome blog post about the former hotel. GREAT pictures. I really hope the details etc can be restored. It has some great surprises!

http://f-stop-etcetera.blogspot.com/2011/06/inside-kansas-citys-cosby-hotel.html

Wow, that is some big find. This building is literally a time capsule. With some of those elements inside, it would make a great restaurant space once it's restored. That ceiling is a real jewel.

Cosby Hotel owner will pitch plan to redevelop the historic Kansas City building

http://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/news/2012/01/23/cosby-hotel-owner-will-pitch-plan-to.html?ed=2012-01-23&s=article_du&ana=e_du_pub

I feel like I'm playing Fallout.

Anyone remember what those original windows looked like? Designed by FLW?? Really? That's awesome. SO glad they were able to get them back.



Can't believe they expect to be open by Fall. Wonder what restaurants will open there. I could see Axios fitting in better there.

Ninth & Baltimore could turn into a nice little corner. Is the Union Carbide building finished and filling up?

Union Carbide has been finished for nearly two years and has been fully (100%) occupied for about a year.

three

wrong. it still isn't 100% occupied.

http://www.kansascity.com/2012/11/05/3902075/kevin-collison-downtowns-cosby.html

Collison article on new deli to be opening on the first floor of the old Cosby Hotel.

Unreal. This is perfect for that spot. I cannot wait to check it out!

Great news. I really hope the deli is not one that just slices up Boar's Head. A deli will really add to the neighborhood-ness of the downtown core.

Side note - How many delis in KC make their own pastrami or have custom cured meats? I'm not sure what New York Deli used to do, but it was easily my favorite deli in KC before it closed. I've still never been to La Salla's, so I haven't exactly been scouring the town for a good deli sandwich.

Italian deli or Jewish deli?