Kansas City Streetcar

[Busguy2010]

In 2019, total KC Streetcar ridership was 2,228,942—a 5.5% yearly increase. Since opening day, KC Streetcar has had more than 7.8 million passenger trips, with an average daily ridership of 6,107.

The results of the customer satisfaction survey showed that rider satisfaction levels were strong in multiple categories:

96% satisfaction on reliability of service.
98% satisfaction on ease of use.
95% satisfaction on personal safety while riding.
95% satisfaction on professionalism and friendliness of staff.
95% satisfaction on cleanliness of stations and vehicles.

https://www.railwayage.com/passenger/li ... annel=news

If the bolded is true, that is well over 3 times the daily ridership of either of our two busiest bus routes, Route 2 and Route 18 (~ 1700 trips daily each, as last estimated in 2015). Those streetcars must be FULL all the time.

[strangerthings]

In 2019, total KC Streetcar ridership was 2,228,942—a 5.5% yearly increase. Since opening day, KC Streetcar has had more than 7.8 million passenger trips, with an average daily ridership of 6,107.

The results of the customer satisfaction survey showed that rider satisfaction levels were strong in multiple categories:

96% satisfaction on reliability of service.
98% satisfaction on ease of use.
95% satisfaction on personal safety while riding.
95% satisfaction on professionalism and friendliness of staff.
95% satisfaction on cleanliness of stations and vehicles.

https://www.railwayage.com/passenger/li ... annel=news

If the bolded is true, that is well over 3 times the daily ridership of either of our two busiest bus routes, Route 2 and Route 18 (~ 1700 trips daily each, as last estimated in 2015). Those streetcars must be FULL all the time.

The average daily ridership is calculated by counters built into the streetcar. These devices are extremely accurate - albeit with a purposeful slight underestimate. It is my understanding that Ride KC Streetcar staff also take several additional steps to confirm the data from time to time.

The busiest days have about 20,000 riders. IIRC, the extension is expected to open with around 11-12K riders average per day. I expect the real numbers to be higher as the pre-opening estimate for the starter line was about a third of what actually occurred.

[Louie]

It bodes well for a midwestern city to really grab onto their streetcar system.

[strangerthings]

January 2020 ridership was up 18% y.o.y.

Per KC Streetcar Authority:

January 2020 KC Streetcar ridership numbers are in with 136,662 passenger trips, an 18% increase from January 2019.

[strangerthings]

KC Streetcar:

February Ridership numbers are out. 28% YOY increase in ridership for the month. 156k+ total riders in February; 8.1+ million lifetime;

So far in 2020, the streetcar has averaged 5812 riders per day. It is amazing to see ridership in the dead of winter being double the originally proposed yearly average.

[ScrattyB]

Just in case anyone reading this didn't know...
Two new trains were added in 2019, one in July and one in October. With that came increased frequency.

The more interesting tidbit (at least to me) from the October 2019 press release was this:

The purchaseof these streetcar vehicles wasapproved in 2017 by the City Council, using the existing downtown Transportation Development District(TDD) funds, resulting from higher than anticipated sales tax growth within the district and stabilized operations expenses.

[strangerthings]

Pre-construction, construction management, and design contracts (with funding) for the UMKC Extension were approved by the city council today. Ordinances related to water and sewer lines relocation along the route have been introduced.

[Greg S]

KC gets $50 million plus in federal funds for extension:

https://www.kctv5.com/news/local_news/t ... Pjf_-U3Y3g

[strangerthings]

KC gets $50 million plus in federal funds for extension:

https://www.kctv5.com/news/local_news/t ... Pjf_-U3Y3g

Just received another grant for a second extension.

[Linkin5]

Remember when Omaha had a leg up in speculative planning for their streetcar than KC? This is great to see for KC, but also extremely depressing to see how much Omaha has stalled on their end.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Omaha light rail or streetcar transit = spending another grip of hundreds of thousands of $ on another “Study”...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Busguy2010]

Omaha light rail or streetcar transit = spending another grip of hundreds of thousands of $ on another “Study”...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

We had a perfectly good and comprehensive study completed just a couple years ago. It seemed like the next step was to get the funding, and then all talks of it just *poof* disappeared... We were as close as could be to flipping the switch on it as we really could have been. Wonder what happened... But you're right, that study has been collecting dust long enough that it would probably require another one.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Omaha light rail or streetcar transit = spending another grip of hundreds of thousands of $ on another “Study”...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

We had a perfectly good and comprehensive study completed just a couple years ago. It seemed like the next step was to get the funding, and then all talks of it just *poof* disappeared... We were as close as could be to flipping the switch on it as we really could have been. Wonder what happened... But you're right, that study has been collecting dust long enough that it would probably require another one.

Fact: Since 2004, there have been 30 studies done on streetcars for Omaha costing millions of dollars. THIRTY!..

And zilch to show for it...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[ita]

Omaha light rail or streetcar transit = spending another grip of hundreds of thousands of $ on another “Study”...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

We had a perfectly good and comprehensive study completed just a couple years ago. It seemed like the next step was to get the funding, and then all talks of it just *poof* disappeared... We were as close as could be to flipping the switch on it as we really could have been. Wonder what happened... But you're right, that study has been collecting dust long enough that it would probably require another one.

Fact: Since 2004, there have been 30 studies done on streetcars for Omaha costing millions of dollars. THIRTY!..

And zilch to show for it...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Trying not to veer to far from this thread, but clearly there is some money to be had from the feds for a streetcar project or some urban circulator. I am hoping that the Urban Core Committee comes out with a solid plan outlining exactly how the urban circulator they want will be funded. It's interesting because Jay was talking about the committee today on Grow Omaha. I feel like for the most part they are working in shrouded secrecy (unless I am missing something), yet they are helping develop the blueprint for residential development, employment, and transportation in the urban core. I would like to see what they are coming up with. Ok, sorry, I ended up even further away off topic...

[Omaha Cowboy]

Omaha light rail or streetcar transit = spending another grip of hundreds of thousands of $ on another “Study”...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

We had a perfectly good and comprehensive study completed just a couple years ago. It seemed like the next step was to get the funding, and then all talks of it just *poof* disappeared... We were as close as could be to flipping the switch on it as we really could have been. Wonder what happened... But you're right, that study has been collecting dust long enough that it would probably require another one.

Fact: Since 2004, there have been 30 studies done on streetcars for Omaha costing millions of dollars. THIRTY!..

And zilch to show for it...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

Trying not to veer to far from this thread, but clearly there is some money to be had from the feds for a streetcar project or some urban circulator. I am hoping that the Urban Core Committee comes out with a solid plan outlining exactly how the urban circulator they want will be funded. It's interesting because Jay was talking about the committee today on Grow Omaha. I feel like for the most part they are working in shrouded secrecy (unless I am missing something), yet they are helping develop the blueprint for residential development, employment, and transportation in the urban core. I would like to see what they are coming up with. Ok, sorry, I ended up even further away off topic...

Not to worry. It is streetcar discussion. Albeit not Kansas City Streetcar, but the failings of Omaha streetcar. Nonetheless, you’ll have to forgive my skepticism regarding anything Omaha streetcar related. I’ve been around the streetcar discussion in this city for nearly 20 years and have survived through study after study after study after study after study..and still nothing to show for them. Dollars spent lost in the wind..

Hopefully you can understand why I curb my enthusiasm for Omaha and streetcars.. I salute Kansas City for their forward thinking vision in getting streetcar transportation off the ground and running successfully in their community. I can only dream of that happening for Omaha...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Busguy2010]

Not to worry. It is streetcar discussion. Albeit not Kansas City Streetcar, but the failings of Omaha streetcar. Nonetheless, you’ll have to forgive my skepticism regarding anything Omaha streetcar related. I’ve been around the streetcar discussion in this city for nearly 20 years and have survived through study after study after study after study after study..and still nothing to show for them. Dollars spent lost in the wind..

Hopefully you can understand why I curb my enthusiasm for Omaha and streetcars.. I salute Kansas City for their forward thinking vision in getting streetcar transportation off the ground and running successfully in their community. I can only dream of that happening for Omaha...

In hindsight, those other studies they came up with first the Zoo to downtown route via 10th, then the weird loop that went from TDA Park to 16th and back again really blew chunks... Those were totally novelties (sorry to who came up with them, or maybe they knew it) that might have given people like yourself some skepticism about any streetcar in general. But the most recent route along Farnam down to TDA actually covered some distance that some might prefer not to cover by foot or bike, and connected some relatively far apart vibrant areas, thus being a viable transportation option, not just a novelty like the others. I regretfully believe the previously proposed "for fun" routes killed everybody's vibe about this one that actually would have been utilitarian.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Not to worry. It is streetcar discussion. Albeit not Kansas City Streetcar, but the failings of Omaha streetcar. Nonetheless, you’ll have to forgive my skepticism regarding anything Omaha streetcar related. I’ve been around the streetcar discussion in this city for nearly 20 years and have survived through study after study after study after study after study..and still nothing to show for them. Dollars spent lost in the wind..

Hopefully you can understand why I curb my enthusiasm for Omaha and streetcars.. I salute Kansas City for their forward thinking vision in getting streetcar transportation off the ground and running successfully in their community. I can only dream of that happening for Omaha...

In hindsight, those other studies they came up with first the Zoo to downtown route via 10th, then the weird loop that went from TDA Park to 16th and back again really blew chunks... Those were totally novelties (sorry to who came up with them, or maybe they knew it) that might have given people like yourself some skepticism about any streetcar in general. But the most recent route along Farnam down to TDA actually covered some distance that some might prefer not to cover by foot or bike, and connected some relatively far apart vibrant areas, thus being a viable transportation option, not just a novelty like the others. I regretfully believe the previously proposed "for fun" routes killed everybody's vibe about this one that actually would have been utilitarian.

I get what you’re saying..

What bugs me is- that last study, which concluded in March of 2018 (2and 1/2 years ago), was left twisting in the wind..along with the $600k plus price tag..And NO follow up..Nothing to show for a hefty “study” price tag..

Of the 30 “studies” many were not “for fun” routes as you call them. This city simply has a bad history of spending money on studies and not following up on them properly. Period..

Sorry, I’m in “show me” mode right now. Talk is cheap and spending money on studies is wasteful at this point imo. Unveil an actual game plan for streetcars in Omaha based on one of these latest “studies”..then..I may be on board again..

Until that happens, consider me jaded..

And again, congrats to Kansas City for having a current successful streetcar system..which they now plan to expand...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Busguy2010]

What bugs me is- that last study, which concluded in March of 2018 (2and 1/2 years ago), was left twisting in the wind..along with the $600k plus price tag..And NO follow up..Nothing to show for a hefty “study” price tag..

Of the 30 “studies” many were not “for fun” routes as you call them. This city simply has a bad history of spending money on studies and not following up on them properly. Period..

You might know something I don't about the 30 studies involved, but I only recall three proposed routes that made it to the public eye since the late 90's/early 2,000's. First was the zoo to Downtown "heritage" route put out under Hal Daub. Second was the loop from TDA down to Ye Old Market and back put out under Mike Fahey, and finally the the most recent Farnam street route. I definitely think that Farnam street route is the best shot and would still be viable should any entity try to revisit it. If that one really won't be revisited, then we should forget about it... Maybe they are waiting to see how ORBT goes. COVID certainly didn't help that idea. Could be another several years 'til an Omaha streetcar could be revisited. Too bad, I think I recall early 2020's (22 or 23) being floated as an opening date for the proposed Farnam street route. Now might be mid to late 2020's til that idea is even reconsidered, if at all.

[Omaha Cowboy]

What bugs me is- that last study, which concluded in March of 2018 (2and 1/2 years ago), was left twisting in the wind..along with the $600k plus price tag..And NO follow up..Nothing to show for a hefty “study” price tag..

Of the 30 “studies” many were not “for fun” routes as you call them. This city simply has a bad history of spending money on studies and not following up on them properly. Period..

You might know something I don't about the 30 studies involved, but I only recall three proposed routes that made it to the public eye since the late 90's/early 2,000's.

Just so you don’t think I’m pulling that 30 number out of the thin air, this is from a W-H article (September 15th, 2019) that backs up what I’m indicating to you-

“That’s just part of Omaha’s continuing series of studies on the streetcar. By Modern Streetcar Advocates’ count, Omaha has conducted 30 studies on the topic over the last 15 years.

Noddle is prepared to study it more, saying he wants to make sure the committee looks at the issues thoroughly.

A group within the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce is taking a new look at the streetcar concept, even starting over examining why and how Omaha would even run a streetcar.

The chamber has formed a group called the Urban Core Committee to study ways to step up Omaha’s development, housing and jobs in its urban center. Part of that is looking at how to move people around the urban core, including a streetcar.”..

The story link:

https://omaha.com/news/local/omahas-str ... 01c3d.html

Notice this article is now over one year old and we haven’t heard nary a peep from this Urban Core Committee...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Busguy2010]

Just so you don’t think I’m pulling that 30 number out of the thin air, this is from a W-H article (September 15th, 2019) that backs up what I’m indicating to you-

“That’s just part of Omaha’s continuing series of studies on the streetcar. By Modern Streetcar Advocates’ count, Omaha has conducted 30 studies on the topic over the last 15 years.

Definitely didn't think you were pulling my chain, I just never heard about 30 studies.

With that fact known, a lot of them must have been some lesser cost, background studies for who knows what, as 30 studies have culminated in only 3 actual proposed routes that saw the public eye. I only question what number of those 30 studies were actually part of any cohesive plan, as the only actually well-thought-out plan was the Farnam route. And as I said, regretfully, the other two that made it to the public eye may have tainted the perception of most recent one.

[Omaha Cowboy]

Just so you don’t think I’m pulling that 30 number out of the thin air, this is from a W-H article (September 15th, 2019) that backs up what I’m indicating to you-

“That’s just part of Omaha’s continuing series of studies on the streetcar. By Modern Streetcar Advocates’ count, Omaha has conducted 30 studies on the topic over the last 15 years.

Definitely didn't think you were pulling my chain, I just never heard about 30 studies.

With that fact known, a lot of them must have been some lesser cost, background studies for who knows what, as 30 studies have culminated in only 3 actual proposed routes that saw the public eye. I only question what number of those 30 studies were actually part of any cohesive plan, as the only actually well-thought-out plan was the Farnam route. And as I said, regretfully, the other two that made it to the public eye may have tainted the perception of most recent one.

Here is more detail for you I think you’d be interested in- it involves a study from 2008-

“Nebraska
Omaha
Contact: Gerald Kopiasz, Executive Commissioner, Omaha Streetcar, 402-598-6641,
[email protected]
Updated 12/9/2008
Omaha Streetcar: The proposed Omaha Streetcar is a rail project. A study funded by Heritage Services, an Omaha-based philanthropic foundation, was recently completed, entailing a downtown alignment and tasking the local government with following up on next steps. The local government supports the study; however, there is no anticipated completion date yet this early in the project. The City Council recently approved a financial study for the proposed streetcar system in conjunction with an update downtown master plan. Federal funding will not be sought on the first phase. Omaha Streetcar is the grassroots organization behind the effort to bring streetcars to Omaha. There is no streetcar currently operating in Omaha.”..

The link:

https://www.streetcarcoalition.org/pdf/ ... y_2012.pdf

A 2008 article from The Daily Nebraskan outlines the $40k study then mayor Fahey pushed for-

“The Omaha City Council agreed Tuesday to spend $40,000 to study the feasibility of building a streetcar system in Omaha.

Heritage Services will oversee the study and try to determine if a streetcar system would enhance the accessibility of Nebraska's largest city to its residents or waste their tax dollars.

Mayor Mike Fahey pushed for the study. He told the Omaha World-Herald a public transportation system similar to the one in Portland, Ore. - which has streetcars and a light-rail system - could be successful in Omaha.

Peggy LaPoint, a public information officer for TriMet, the light rail system in Portland, said October had record ridership rates for both Portland's light rail system and the streetcars.”..

The complete link:

http://www.dailynebraskan.com/news/omah ... cee28.html

As I recall, that 2008 study was not a “for fun” streetcar route..but this may be the one you were referring to..although there is no route information...

Ciao..LiO...Peace

[Busguy2010]

I will have to read those at a later time. Thank you. Before sleepy time, I just want to clarify that by "for fun" I mean "not an effective people mover". Perhaps they were pursued under motivations that didn't adequately prioritize effective people movement. As seriously as the previous two may have been pursued, they simply weren't viable options to get anybody anywhere. We all know by now, streetcars are a boon to urban development, that's not a secret. At least the most recent proposal attempted to connect relatively far apart already established areas that would have been supportive of said route... On the other hand longer distance = more money. Hard to say where the idea disappeared to, I do not know. But Omaha appears to be at a stalemate on that front.

[ita]

I will have to read those at a later time. Thank you. Before sleepy time, I just want to clarify that by "for fun" I mean "not an effective people mover". Perhaps they were pursued under motivations that didn't adequately prioritize effective people movement. As seriously as the previous two may have been pursued, they simply weren't viable options to get anybody anywhere. We all know by now, streetcars are a boon to urban development, that's not a secret. At least the most recent proposal attempted to connect relatively far apart already established areas that would have been supportive of said route... On the other hand longer distance = more money. Hard to say where the idea disappeared to, I do not know. But Omaha appears to be at a stalemate on that front.

Based on what I have read over the last few years from the City and other civic and community leaders, the initial phase that makes sense, 10th to 42nd on Farnam heading west and Harney going back at MC, costs more than what the City wants to spend. And when I say City, there are vocal opponents of City dollars being spent on such a project. More recently, other funding sources, like private contributors, have been identified. If money is an issue, I don't think it is insurmountable problem anymore, particularly when we have a new organization, whose members include a power player like Noddle, within the Chamber considering an urban circulator.

[strangerthings]

I will have to read those at a later time. Thank you. Before sleepy time, I just want to clarify that by "for fun" I mean "not an effective people mover". Perhaps they were pursued under motivations that didn't adequately prioritize effective people movement. As seriously as the previous two may have been pursued, they simply weren't viable options to get anybody anywhere. We all know by now, streetcars are a boon to urban development, that's not a secret. At least the most recent proposal attempted to connect relatively far apart already established areas that would have been supportive of said route... On the other hand longer distance = more money. Hard to say where the idea disappeared to, I do not know. But Omaha appears to be at a stalemate on that front.

Based on what I have read over the last few years from the City and other civic and community leaders, the initial phase that makes sense, 10th to 42nd on Farnam heading west and Harney going back at MC, costs more than what the City wants to spend. And when I say City, there are vocal opponents of City dollars being spent on such a project. More recently, other funding sources, like private contributors, have been identified. If money is an issue, I don't think it is insurmountable problem anymore, particularly when we have a new organization, whose members include a power player like Noddle, within the Chamber considering an urban circulator.

KC Streetcar happened because of neighborhood activists developing a plan. If there are a variety of plans in place, you already have a good bit of the work cut out for you. What are the rules behind a petition initiative or TDD in Omaha?

KC's large chambers and other groups only got behind KC Streetcar after it was clear it would pass. We can't wait for these groups to get behind transit. We must lead the charge with or without them.

[ita]

I will have to read those at a later time. Thank you. Before sleepy time, I just want to clarify that by "for fun" I mean "not an effective people mover". Perhaps they were pursued under motivations that didn't adequately prioritize effective people movement. As seriously as the previous two may have been pursued, they simply weren't viable options to get anybody anywhere. We all know by now, streetcars are a boon to urban development, that's not a secret. At least the most recent proposal attempted to connect relatively far apart already established areas that would have been supportive of said route... On the other hand longer distance = more money. Hard to say where the idea disappeared to, I do not know. But Omaha appears to be at a stalemate on that front.

Based on what I have read over the last few years from the City and other civic and community leaders, the initial phase that makes sense, 10th to 42nd on Farnam heading west and Harney going back at MC, costs more than what the City wants to spend. And when I say City, there are vocal opponents of City dollars being spent on such a project. More recently, other funding sources, like private contributors, have been identified. If money is an issue, I don't think it is insurmountable problem anymore, particularly when we have a new organization, whose members include a power player like Noddle, within the Chamber considering an urban circulator.

KC Streetcar happened because of neighborhood activists developing a plan. If there are a variety of plans in place, you already have a good bit of the work cut out for you. What are the rules behind a petition initiative or TDD in Omaha?

KC's large chambers and other groups only got behind KC Streetcar after it was clear it would pass. We can't wait for these groups to get behind transit. We must lead the charge with or without them.

I guess Omaha's grassroots efforts have been largely led by Modern Streetcar Advocates. However, at least as an organized group, they have only been advocating since 2017. Since that time, there has been a 2018 study outlining the cost of Phase 1 and the Mayor has decided to make any streetcar project up for citywide vote if City dollars involved and left it to the Streetcar Advocates to come up with the funds. In 2019, it was reported that we have some real shakers and movers, with the Urban Core Committee with the Chamber, involved in finalizing a streetcar proposal. At least that's what I am assuming that Committee is considering when they talk about an urban circulator. It seems like we are following the tailend trajectory of KC's streetcar, but 10 years later. I would like more information about this Committee; I wish it was not shrouded in secrecy. However, I hope that whatever the plan they do come up with will be something that can pass the ballot box, if in fact, they are working on a streetcar plan.

[strangerthings]

I will have to read those at a later time. Thank you. Before sleepy time, I just want to clarify that by "for fun" I mean "not an effective people mover". Perhaps they were pursued under motivations that didn't adequately prioritize effective people movement. As seriously as the previous two may have been pursued, they simply weren't viable options to get anybody anywhere. We all know by now, streetcars are a boon to urban development, that's not a secret. At least the most recent proposal attempted to connect relatively far apart already established areas that would have been supportive of said route... On the other hand longer distance = more money. Hard to say where the idea disappeared to, I do not know. But Omaha appears to be at a stalemate on that front.

Based on what I have read over the last few years from the City and other civic and community leaders, the initial phase that makes sense, 10th to 42nd on Farnam heading west and Harney going back at MC, costs more than what the City wants to spend. And when I say City, there are vocal opponents of City dollars being spent on such a project. More recently, other funding sources, like private contributors, have been identified. If money is an issue, I don't think it is insurmountable problem anymore, particularly when we have a new organization, whose members include a power player like Noddle, within the Chamber considering an urban circulator.

KC Streetcar happened because of neighborhood activists developing a plan. If there are a variety of plans in place, you already have a good bit of the work cut out for you. What are the rules behind a petition initiative or TDD in Omaha?

KC's large chambers and other groups only got behind KC Streetcar after it was clear it would pass. We can't wait for these groups to get behind transit. We must lead the charge with or without them.

I guess Omaha's grassroots efforts have been largely led by Modern Streetcar Advocates. However, at least as an organized group, they have only been advocating since 2017. Since that time, there has been a 2018 study outlining the cost of Phase 1 and the Mayor has decided to make any streetcar project up for citywide vote if City dollars involved and left it to the Streetcar Advocates to come up with the funds. In 2019, it was reported that we have some real shakers and movers, with the Urban Core Committee with the Chamber, involved in finalizing a streetcar proposal. At least that's what I am assuming that Committee is considering when they talk about an urban circulator. It seems like we are following the tailend trajectory of KC's streetcar, but 10 years later. I would like more information about this Committee; I wish it was not shrouded in secrecy. However, I hope that whatever the plan they do come up with will be something that can pass the ballot box, if in fact, they are working on a streetcar plan.

Does Omaha/Nebraska allow for transportation development districts or petition initiatives?

[strangerthings]

KC gets $50 million plus in federal funds for extension:

https://www.kctv5.com/news/local_news/t ... Pjf_-U3Y3g

Just received another grant for a second extension.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q ... KunvgoVmyo

[strangerthings]

Drawings of the new Plaza and UMKC stations.

[Busguy2010]

Nice, I like how its separated from regular traffic.

[strangerthings]

FTA notified Kansas City that they are receiving a Full Funding Agreement for the $350 million streetcar extension to UMKC. Enabling work has been ongoing for the past few months and streetcar procurement will start up shortly.

There has been a lot of real estate activity along the line recently. This article details some of the big purchases that have happened.

TRACK TO THE FUTURE

Tom Gerend and others expect lightning to strike again for development along the streetcar extension. Millions in investment already have poured in.
https://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/ ... nvest.html

Projects, properties to ponder
Exact Partners’ interest in the Main Street corridor extends beyond its two new apartment projects — it has three more projects in the works. The largest is a $75 million multiphase effort at the northwest corner of 37th and Main streets, where the developer has done separate test fits for a concert venue with a Class A restaurant and a food hall beneath a hotel in the former Kansas City National Guard Armory.

Exact Partners completed $2.58 million in multiparcel transactions for much of that corner between November 2018 and May 2019. It plans to close on two more properties near planned streetcar stops — at 3215 and 3901 Main St. — before Christmas.

Property records and interviews reveal activity all along the streetcar extension route, including:

• Entities affiliated with New York-based developer Alchemy Ventures gobbled up at least seven properties within blocks of the streetcar extension, to the tune of $7.2 million, between March 2018 and April 2020.

• Main & Main LLC, which shares a Kansas City address with Americo Life parent Financial Holding Corp., paid $6.6 million in July for the shuttered Country Club Plaza Holiday Inn. The seller, an affiliate of Chicago-based Janko Group, previously considered razing or renovating the 241-room hotel.

• GLI Hospitality picked up the Best Western Plus Seville Plaza Hotel at 4309 Main St. for $8.5 million in August 2018, and G1 Real Estate in May 2020 snagged the Seville Plaza apartments at 4545 Main St. for $2.35 million.

• In September 2019, Overland Park-based Price Brothers acquired eight parcels comprising much of the northeast corner of 31st and Main, including a Lutfi’s Fried Fish restaurant.

• An affiliate of Antheus Capital, the New Jersey-based parent company of Mac Properties, on Nov. 4 nabbed approximately 1.6 acres along Main Street between Armour Boulevard and 36th Street. The parcels include Pancho’s Mexican Food and surface parking.

• Clemons Real Estate and FTW Investments have leased space in the former Hostess Brands LLC building at 3 E. Armour Blvd., with an option to buy in the next year.

• A buyer is circling the historic Katz Drug Store building at 3948 Main St., according to multiple real estate sources.

• Hallmark Cards Inc. owns vacant tracts on two sides of Grand Boulevard’s intersection with 27th Street, totaling about 6.8 acres near the streetcar extension’s first planned stop. Property brochures tout the sites’ potential for high-rise office or multifamily developments.

• Andrew Brain and Platform Ventures LLC are advancing a $45 million proposal to build 133 apartments in the vacant Westport High School building at 315 E. 39th St., plus a 20,000-square-foot office building, adjacent to the Plexpod Westport Commons coworking space.

In all, Midtown holds 88.5 acres of vacant property, together valued at $13.7 million, said Kevin Klinkenberg, executive director of Midtown KC Now. The land’s value would skyrocket to $110 million if each acre were developed based on average neighborhood value per acre.

[ita]

FTA notified Kansas City that they are receiving a Full Funding Agreement for the $350 million streetcar extension to UMKC. Enabling work has been ongoing for the past few months and streetcar procurement will start up shortly.

There has been a lot of real estate activity along the line recently. This article details some of the big purchases that have happened.

TRACK TO THE FUTURE

Tom Gerend and others expect lightning to strike again for development along the streetcar extension. Millions in investment already have poured in.
https://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/ ... nvest.html

Projects, properties to ponder
Exact Partners’ interest in the Main Street corridor extends beyond its two new apartment projects — it has three more projects in the works. The largest is a $75 million multiphase effort at the northwest corner of 37th and Main streets, where the developer has done separate test fits for a concert venue with a Class A restaurant and a food hall beneath a hotel in the former Kansas City National Guard Armory.

Exact Partners completed $2.58 million in multiparcel transactions for much of that corner between November 2018 and May 2019. It plans to close on two more properties near planned streetcar stops — at 3215 and 3901 Main St. — before Christmas.

Property records and interviews reveal activity all along the streetcar extension route, including:

• Entities affiliated with New York-based developer Alchemy Ventures gobbled up at least seven properties within blocks of the streetcar extension, to the tune of $7.2 million, between March 2018 and April 2020.

• Main & Main LLC, which shares a Kansas City address with Americo Life parent Financial Holding Corp., paid $6.6 million in July for the shuttered Country Club Plaza Holiday Inn. The seller, an affiliate of Chicago-based Janko Group, previously considered razing or renovating the 241-room hotel.

• GLI Hospitality picked up the Best Western Plus Seville Plaza Hotel at 4309 Main St. for $8.5 million in August 2018, and G1 Real Estate in May 2020 snagged the Seville Plaza apartments at 4545 Main St. for $2.35 million.

• In September 2019, Overland Park-based Price Brothers acquired eight parcels comprising much of the northeast corner of 31st and Main, including a Lutfi’s Fried Fish restaurant.

• An affiliate of Antheus Capital, the New Jersey-based parent company of Mac Properties, on Nov. 4 nabbed approximately 1.6 acres along Main Street between Armour Boulevard and 36th Street. The parcels include Pancho’s Mexican Food and surface parking.

• Clemons Real Estate and FTW Investments have leased space in the former Hostess Brands LLC building at 3 E. Armour Blvd., with an option to buy in the next year.

• A buyer is circling the historic Katz Drug Store building at 3948 Main St., according to multiple real estate sources.

• Hallmark Cards Inc. owns vacant tracts on two sides of Grand Boulevard’s intersection with 27th Street, totaling about 6.8 acres near the streetcar extension’s first planned stop. Property brochures tout the sites’ potential for high-rise office or multifamily developments.

• Andrew Brain and Platform Ventures LLC are advancing a $45 million proposal to build 133 apartments in the vacant Westport High School building at 315 E. 39th St., plus a 20,000-square-foot office building, adjacent to the Plexpod Westport Commons coworking space.

In all, Midtown holds 88.5 acres of vacant property, together valued at $13.7 million, said Kevin Klinkenberg, executive director of Midtown KC Now. The land’s value would skyrocket to $110 million if each acre were developed based on average neighborhood value per acre.

If only Omaha wasn't sleeping at the reins, we would be seeing investment on the Farnam Street Streetcar Line and development with some real height and density. I love the Riverfront redevelopment plan as much as the next guy, but it the City was serious about investing in the urban core, they would push rather than wipe their hands of the streetcar project. Just my two cents.

[Busguy2010]

If only Omaha wasn't sleeping at the reins, we would be seeing investment on the Farnam Street Streetcar Line and development with some real height and density. I love the Riverfront redevelopment plan as much as the next guy, but it the City was serious about investing in the urban core, they would push rather than wipe their hands of the streetcar project. Just my two cents.

We've been over this about a thousand times haven't we? It just makes too much sense to work it seems. About as touchy a subject as mask wearing is now.

[Greg S]

The KC Streetcar extension is now fully funded:

https://www.kmbc.com/article/federal-tr ... ha13nkxFEI

[ita]

The KC Streetcar extension is now fully funded:

https://www.kmbc.com/article/federal-tr ... ha13nkxFEI

Awesome for Kansas City. They have one of the more successful attempts at the streetcar. The free rates, I am sure, help a ton.

[Greg S]

The KC Streetcar extension is now fully funded:

https://www.kmbc.com/article/federal-tr ... ha13nkxFEI

Awesome for Kansas City. They have one of the more successful attempts at the streetcar. The free rates, I am sure, help a ton.

Yeah being free I am sure helps a ton. We stay downtown now every time we go and love using the light rail. The new extension will be awesome. Connecting downtown to the Plaza and Westport will be awesome. Trying to remember if it makes it to Brookside?


Greg

[strangerthings]

The KC Streetcar extension is now fully funded:

https://www.kmbc.com/article/federal-tr ... ha13nkxFEI

Awesome for Kansas City. They have one of the more successful attempts at the streetcar. The free rates, I am sure, help a ton.

Yeah being free I am sure helps a ton. We stay downtown now every time we go and love using the light rail. The new extension will be awesome. Connecting downtown to the Plaza and Westport will be awesome. Trying to remember if it makes it to Brookside?


Greg

The streetcar will end at 51st street. Not too far of a bike ride (or B-Cycle if tourist) to Brookside. A homeowner decided that the trolley trail (where streetcar would run) would be a great addition to her back yards Those fences came down this month after years of legal battles. Her little opposition group was well organized enough to get Streetcar off the ballot there.

[strangerthings]

The City of North Kansas City has introduced a resolution "supporting the extension of the Kansas City streetcar system from Kansas City to North Kansas City and directing staff to engage with the Kansas City Streetcar Authority to determine feasibility and develop a proposal for implementation."

North Kansas City is the only metro city to have passed a city-wide tax for rail transit. Support for streetcar expansion is very high in NKC. Crossing the Missouri River is a significant cost that presents a sizable challenge to expansion. However, the HOA Bridge is about 33 years old and may be nearing a major overhaul at which point rail could be incorporated.

http://www.nkc.org/common/pages/Display ... d=17315350

2013 era study documents: http://nkc.org/UserFiles/Servers/Server ... 0small.pdf

[strangerthings]

NKC officially launched a task force to explore a streetcar extension to their city. NKC & KC Streetcar will work to update costs estimates and start an environmental study.

more UMKC extension renderings:
KC Streetcar Station Plaza


UMKC Station



Another Plaza rendering taken from the west.

[strangerthings]

1. Streetcar extension to UMKC is chugging along. Mainstreet is all torn up but its worth the construction headaches. Lots of old streetcar tracks have been dug up.



2. A second phase of the riverfront extension is now in planning. This will take the streetcar to Isle of Capri

[strangerthings]

Today, council approved the purchase of 6 LRVs, 10 LRV options, and parts from CAF.