In the News: Skepticism and hope in the West Bottoms
KC Studio recently published "Skepticism and hope in the West Bottoms", covering how residents, artists, and business owners are responding to major redevelopment plans in the neighborhood.
The article outlines the scale of the project north of 12th Street and the mix of optimism and concern that comes with it.
For HWBA members, this conversation is immediate and practical. Many of our members run small businesses, studios, and properties in the district and are planning around the same questions raised in the piece: affordability, local participation, infrastructure, and long-term neighborhood identity.
The story also includes comments from HWBA President Ian Davis, owner of Blip Coffee Roasters. He acknowledges the complexity of redeveloping large historic buildings while emphasizing the need for stronger local ownership and investment, and for local voices to be included as changes move forward.
Why we are sharing this
This article reflects issues our members discuss regularly: how to support growth while protecting the culture, businesses, and creative community that already make the West Bottoms distinct.
As an association, we want members and neighbors to stay informed and engaged as these plans develop.