VIBRANT BEGINNINGS
Kansas City opens up posh new surroundings in downtown's new entertainment district
Ashlee Mejia
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It's just what the doctor ordered; if the doctor provided prescriptions for cities needing a revival, this would be it.
The Kansas City Power and Light District is located from 12th street to I-670 to Baltimore Ave., to Grand, or if you are familiar with Kansas City, Mo., adjacent to the Sprint Center. This nine block, $850 million renovation will be the largest development project in the Midwest.
Owned by the Cordish Company of Baltimore, Md., the group decided to name the district after the art deco style of the KCP&L building. The area will soon have brick sidewalks, fountains and fire pits to encourage a quality outdoor experience.
Additional encouragement may stem from the "KC Live!" area which features a multi-level outdoor rendezvous with restaurants, bars and entertainment options.
This outdoor area is covered by an atrium that is the first of its kind to be built in the U.S. This roof system is produced by Structure Flex and is made of a special kind of material that keeps the cool air in during the summer and warm air in through the winter. This "KC Live!" area will house events ranging from live music, to family festivals and alumni parties during the Big 12 Tournament.
The entertainment district will be the only place in KC where patrons from the bars are allowed to walk around outside with alcoholic beverages, as long as the where they are walking around in is not open to traffic, like the "KC Live!" area.
Patrons must also have their beverage in a plastic container with the logo of the bar in which they purchased it from. The area's tenants include a plethora of bars and restaurants that are entirely new to the Midwest as well as old favorites.
VININO
Vinino is a wine bistro, restaurant and bar that features a wide variety of wines by the glass or bottle, and hand crafted cocktails made with fresh squeezed juice. The Restaurant itself is inviting with cozy couches and romantic, warm lighting. The mere design of Vinino calls for patrons to sit, relax, sip a glass of wine and enjoy intimate conversation among friends.
"The idea behind Vinino is high end service, in a comfortable and relaxed environment," Manager, John Donnely said.
Vinino's menu offers delicious Italian inspired dishes. The warm glow of the pizza oven resonates the glowing and inviting tone inside the restaurant.
"We are an adult alternative, not a stuffy restaurant," Chef Marshall Roth said.
The creative dishes, the servers casual clothing and Roth's mohawk are what make Vinino mirror the tone of the upcoming area... fresh, artsy and intriguing.
MCFADDEN'S
Before entering McFadden's, the music or game play-by-play can be heard from the street. The outdoor sound system draws guests in to this very large and energetic bar.
During the day McFadden's is a casual restaurant and bar that offers classic foods like soups, salads, sandwiches and burgers. At night, McFadden's turns into a big party complete with a velvet rope-line out front. The line has a tendency to crawl down the block.
"When guests first come in here, we want them to feel shock and awe in a positive sense," head doorman Jeremy Bonewitz said.
McFadden's is complete with three full service bars; the bar service runs all top shelf liquor. Thursday through Saturday offers a live disc jockey that plays a variety of party tunes from, Tenacious D to Jackson 5. Patrons dance near the bars, in the isles and on top of tables singing along to the music in the high-energy atmosphere. Throughout the night, the DJ covers the crowds in confetti made from beverage napkins.
"We want people to have a unique experience and a good time," Bonewitz said.
WILLIE'S
Where everybody knows your name. Willie's opened in September of 2006. This establishment remembers when everything was under construction. The bar specializes in its hot wings and cold beer.
"We are just your local, neighborhood bar," Manager Dustin John said.
Willie's draws a crowd for the games and the usual weekend happy hour.
"A typical weekend night is lively and a laid back good time," John said.
Willie's is located one block south of the KCP&L district.
VIBRANT BEGINNINGS from heartlandview on Vimeo.
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