Downtown Kansas City Report Card
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the extended coverage from the KC Star (May 17-19), evaluating downtown Kansas City’s progress in the last decade. As a guy who’s lived in/near downtown for the past six years, I want nothing less than an urban renaissance. Optimistically, big strides are being made in that direction. Pessimistically, Progress could be walking a little faster. Here’s the opening paragraph:
Just looking around downtown Kansas City, it’s hard not to be proud. A cool-looking arena. A hopping entertainment district. Art galleries galore.
We all know downtown is better, but how much better?
The Kansas City Star set out to measure downtown’s progress since the dawn of the decade. The upshot: The progress has been good, but not as good as you might think — and not enough to keep up with downtown revivals in some similar-sized cities such as Denver, Charlotte and Nashville.
Quick links to some of the best info:
30 Indicators of Urban Vitality, 19 up, 11 down
Interactive Map of Downtown, Showcasing Development
May 30th, 2008 at 3:50 am
Agreed. I’m more cynical but your criticism rings true. I really like your blog and I’m adding it to my blogroll.
May 30th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Thanks, man. Appreciate it! Have you been able to spend much time in the Power & Light district yet? My wife and I are looking forward to hanging out down there.