A Quick Plaza History

Excellent article from William Worley and the KC Tribune about the history of the Country Club Plaza:

"What is not quite so clear is whether Nichols himself or his electrical and maintenance engineer, Charlie Pitrat, actually came up with the idea. The distinctive building that today houses M & S Steakhouse was quite remarkable in its early years. From the start, Nichols planned to get all he could out of his commercial buildings at the Plaza. When the Mill Creek Building opened as “the Suydam Building” in 1923, the 2nd floor housed no fewer than five boutique businesses—all operated by women."

A quick read and a must read.

TODAY: Plaza Photo Contest

From the NBC Action News web site, Mark Clegg reports:

Digital Labrador is hosting a challenge on the Country Club Plaza. Capture the beauty of the Plaza’s holiday lights – and you could win a great camera package.

Digital Labrador will host a photo workshop Saturday, December 6th. The event starts at their Crossroads District facility at 4:00pm to discuss shooting ideas. The contest then moves to the Plaza – where it’s game on. From 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., contestants can roam the Plaza, capturing its splendor.

Digital Labrador staff will be staged in three locations to assist with questions.

The prizes include a Canon EOS 40D camera body, and a Canon EOS Rebel XS kit.

To register or to obtain more information, call Digital Labrador at 816-841-9624.

GOOD LUCK!

Fogo Almost Go Go!

Fogo de Chao has been under construction on the Country Club Plaza for quite some time (47th & Seville Way across from Houston's), but they've recently removed the big 10' walls surrounding the building.

From their web site:
Welcome to Fogo de Chão (fo-go dèe shoun), a dining experience like no other. Sit back, relax and enjoy the truly unique steakhouse atmosphere from Rio Grande do Sul in Southern Brazil.

Our featured meats are seasoned to perfection and slow-roasted over an open flame to capture their individual flavor. The savory cuts are presented on skewers and carved tableside by our authentic Gaúcho chefs, at the guests' request.

Sounds absolutely yummy and heart-stopping. Will keep you posted on progress!

All Hatfield, No McCoy

Went down to the Country Club Plaza Barnes & Noble this evening to listen to Juliana Hatfield read a few excerpts from her book and play a few songs. There was a nice crowd in the Starbuck's cafe... numbered about 50 strong sitting and standing.

This event was actually the first music event that this store has conducted. Practically everyone in attendance got in line for autographs after she finished. Let's hope that more music is in store for the future.

Juliana herself seemed quite timid... very soft-spoken. I wasn't too impressed with the excerpts that she read for they seemed rather shallow. However, hearing a few acoustic songs, such as "My Sister" was good medicine for I wasn't feeling all that well.

FREE Ear Plug for Plaza West-siders!

Buck up Plaza West-siders, you're eye sore is about to get some attention.

KansasCity.com's Kevin Collison reports that construction at 48th & Belleview should resume in the next week, or two.

FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY (like for the next .275 seconds), the PlazaBUZZ will be giving away FREE EAR PLUGS (actual ear plugs not pictured) to the first caller. Well, they are actually used ear plugs that I haven't used in awhile... BUT HEY, they can be yours if you can:

• Figure out my phone number.
• Dial as fast as The Flash.
• Get me to actually answer.
• Tell me a funny joke.

Good luck with all that!

WE ARE MARSHALL (MO)!

Looks like we need to take a road trip to Marshall, MO!

From the Marshall-Democrat News' Sydney Stonner, Mayor Stephen Allegri said the town's recent turkey giveaway and tree-lighting ceremony was a great success, with at least 250 people in attendance.

"Downtown looks great," he said, "like the Country Club Plaza."

Whoaaaaaaaaa, Nelly. Really? Props to you, Mayor Allegri!

Artist Thomas Kinkade In Town to Sketch

Via KansasCity.com's James Fussell, Thomas Kinkade will talk and sketch at 7 p.m. on Saturday, December 6th, at Community Christian Church, 4601 Main St. A $10 donation is requested. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. A pre-show includes music by Everette DeVann, the Boys and Girls Choir of Kansas City and a talk by the church’s senior pastor, Robert Hill. For information, call the Thomas Kinkade Gallery at 816-753-3330.

Another Brick in the Wall

"A Home in KC" reports that they've finally started rebuilding the wall on Wornall in front of the Kirkwood (expensive-as-hell) condominiums. Apparently, there is a shroud of mystery around this great wall since Sarah's intitial story was pulled offline after she complied with a request to remove it.

Those damn South Plazans. We vill rebuild zis wall to keep zem out!

Anyone know the dealio?

Director Mary Zimmerman @ Nelson Atkins

This is a crazy-great week to get out and get cultured! Authors, musicians and directors... I shore love livin' on the Plaza! Check the events and other PlazaBUZZ posts for wassup this week.

From the KC Rep email I received yesterday:
Mary Zimmerman is the recipient of a 1998 MacArthur Fellowship for her original production of The Arabian Nights. She also won the 2002 Tony Award for best direction and 10 Joseph Jefferson Awards, including ones for best production and best direction.

Ms. Zimmerman gets her speak on this Thursday, December 4th in the Atkins Auditorium at 6pm. Cost is $10 for Nelson-Atkins members, $15 for non-members and $5 for students.

Live Acoustic Set: Juliana Hatfield

Just got a call from my friends over at the Plaza Barnes & Noble to tell me the exciting news that Author and Musician Juliana Hatfield will be performing a live, acoustic set in the cafe on Friday, December 5th, at 6pm.

Thanks for the news, Mike!

Raphael to Take a Nap

No word as to what Donatello, Leonardo and Michelangelo will do between December 14th and Valentine's Day, but Raphael is getting a make-over by none other than Shredder.

KC Star reports that the Raphael Restaurant will be closed during the above dates for renovation. Upon reopening, the Raphael will become the Chaz on the Plaza and will sport a brand-spankin' new menu.

Rumor has it that a Technodrome portal may be the reason for the planned renovation.

I, for one, am really looking forward to some turtle soup... or, at least, pizza, dude.

Dewey Decimal? NO! Dewey the Financial Feline

Forget Wall Street, Dewey the Cat from Main Street is making an appearance tonight on our own Main Street at the KC Public Library Plaza Branch.

Author Vicki Myron will be discussing her book, “Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World."

There may be some lessons that we can learn from Dewey, since his story is about coping during a financial crisis.

6:30 p.m., Kansas City Public Library Plaza Branch, 4801 Main St. Admission is free. Reception prior to event starts at 6 p.m. reception.

PlazaBUZZ Bob's Condo in the Star

Did an interview and a photo shoot a few weeks ago about the new property that I'm living in here on the Plaza. It was printed in the KC Star last weekend.

“When I walked in and saw the amazing view out of the bay windows, I knew I had made the right choice,” he said. “It went from being a house to a home in one night.”

Check out the full article online, "Mill Creek Terrace: Plaza homeowner enjoys unparalleled views, urban lifestyle."

When Not (and When) to See the Plaza Lights

One of my favorite bloggers, though I have a hard time keeping up with the number of posts, is "Greeen in Astor Place." A recent duo of posts notes when you should, and should not, take the time to visit the Country Club Plaza Lights.

Truth. If you're sole intent is to simply view the lights, then the off-hours of the night or early morning will definitely serve you better. If this is your bag, then I highly recommend that you get out on the Wednesday morning before Thanksgiving next year and not only see the Lights, but also the test flip-o-the-switch at 2AM.

I encourage you to read more from Green in Astor Place.

• WHEN...
• WHEN NOT...

Enjoy.

Move Bus, Get Out da Way

The holiday tour buses are now scheduled to make an appearance on your Country Club Plaza.

Heads up when you're out there on the streets... as you may recall from this post.

Just want y'all to be safe! Don't forget that we aren't the only light show in town. Holiday lights can be found at Longview Farm, Crown Center and the Chicago Street display in Blue Springs.

Now, if we could just get those tour buses to stop and do some shopping, eh?

Gotta Love the Power & Loss District

From Voices @ kansascity.com:

"The Power & Light District is expected to generate only $4.8 million in tax revenues this fiscal year.

That is far, far short of the $16.8 million in annual debt service needed to pay for its bonds, which are guaranteed by the city."

Way to go Power & Loss! We need some renewable energy sources here. STAT!

I think I'll stick to my home hood of the Country Club Plaza, y'all.

PlazaBUZZ on a Snowy Day

Catching up on my PlazaBUZZ alerts on a snowy day in front of a fire... mmmm.