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Revitalization Efforts :
 The
West Bottoms has historically been a place of economic boon.
In the 1870’s it was
the end of the Western Cattle drive, a burgeoning stockyard. In the 1900’s
it housed the “Wettest Block in the World” for the number of saloons. Now
in 2006, numerous entities have stepped in to help revitalize this diamond
in the rough.
It
is quickly becoming the hottest investment and expansion opportunity in
Kansas City. Centrally located, businesses are finding it ideal for their
employees. Urban and edgy, new corporate headquarters are springing
up in the previously industrial area. Historically valuable, the tax
benefits for revitalization are an added bonus.
Entities
now making their presence (and injecting their money) into the West
Bottoms include:
-
U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers, who now protect the area
from floods;
-
State
of Missouri, which granted $600,000
for infrastructure work and gave businesses in the West Bottoms a
historic tax credit amounting to 20% over the already federally provided
25% credit;
-
U.S.
Government, who allowed a $2 million grant for
much-needed sewer improvements;
-
Local
businesses like Butler Manufacturing,
Gateway, and Faultless Starch, who have moved sales offices and
corporate headquarters to the West Bottoms;
-
Wyandott County and the City of Kansas City, who are responsible for
building the New Sprint Center, which is anticipated to generate
interest in the city’s nearby “entertainment district” and revitalize
conference and hotel business in the area;
-
The
University
of
Kansas,
who conducted a planning study and presented it to local businesses,
exploring the growth potential for the area;
-
Kansas
City Officials, who support a planned
Kansas City
– Mexico Customs export facility, and have authorized the search for
funding a $3 million construction project.
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In the
News :
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