architecture

A 117-year-old historically-Black church in Missouri is getting much-needed restoration work thanks to a grant from the National Heritage fund — and a crew of about a dozen volunteer builders.

The "Saturday Night Live" star’s Architectural Digest tour of her Leawood home has brought attention to the Kansas City-area creatives that helped her design it.

The Kansas City art museum issued a challenge to architecture firms to design “a museum for all.” With its third evolution, museum leaders hope to respond to growing community needs and increasingly diverse visitors. They estimate a construction budget of $160 million to $170 million, to be funded by private donations.

Supporters have raised about three-fourths of the $9.5 million needed to restore the historic Orpheum Theatre. Plans call for new flooring, seats and other upgrades as part of a year-long renovation project that will start next summer.

Summer brings new challenges to making sure kids safe, busy, and away from violence — especially with youth homicides on track to set a record this year. One Kansas City club is trying to keep children and teens occupied with drum lines, movies and games. Plus: A collector who's determined to make Kansas City's antique fans cool again.

In the days before air conditioning, electric fans were how Midwesterners beat the heat. One local collector is restoring a rare set of antique fans that once cooled travelers in Kansas City’s Union Station.

Although the Midwest isn't exactly known for its medieval history, the Kansas City region has still acquired some sprawling, fortress-inspired buildings over the last 150 years. Some are well maintained and still used as homes, while others are crumbling but fascinating relics.

Whispers of a new landfill in south Kansas City have sparked a fierce opposition campaign from nearby cities and residents. But the controversy also renewed interest in where this rapidly growing city will store its waste in the years to come. Plus: A Kansas City woodworker is creating chess boards based on his hometown's iconic skyline.

All the iconic buildings — from Liberty Memorial to Sky Stations and 909 Walnut — are taking shape in miniature under a scroll saw in his Northland garage.

An out-of-state company's plan to redevelop over 20 acres in the West Bottoms has some saying the area will become Kansas City's next Crossroads Arts District. But the historic neighborhood’s small business community has raised concerns that the rapid change will price them out of the area.

An out-of-state developer’s plan to redevelop over 20 acres in the West Bottoms has some saying the area is about to become the next Crossroads Arts District. But the historic neighborhood’s small business community have raised concerns that the rapid change will price them out of the area.

Kansas City is known as the "City of Fountains," and it's earned the name — with more than any city other than Rome. From opulent displays to more simple spouts, these water features beautify our environment and connect us to the Kansas City of the past.