The deadline has passed, and two proposals are in, but it may be a while before there's a decision on the fate of Kemper Arena in Kansas City's West Bottoms.
City Council Economic Development Chair Scott Taylor says city staff is vetting the proposals to make sure they are complete and thorough. Until that is determined, limited information about the two applicants will be released.
It's been confirmed that one plan submitted for reuse was from Foutch Brothers LLC, a Kansas City-based development company that previously wanted to convert the aging arena into a youth athletic complex.
A principal with the firm, Steve Foutch, told the Kansas City Business Journal on Friday that his proposal was a "new and improved version" of the one he presented last year, a $22 million renovation of Kemper into a "two-level hub for youth and amateur sports."
Scott Taylor says the city can't turn the facility over to any developer until April, when bond indebtedness on Kemper is retired.
“We have plenty of time, only because the bond obligation date is April," says Taylor. "We don't have an immediate rush to do anything. We want to do it right. And we can all agree on that."
Members of the Planning, Zoning and Economic Development Committee are also studying the proposals.
