News & Updates | Historic West Bottoms Association

April 12th, 2026

Envisioning the West Bottoms: Community Planning Presentation Draws Strong Turnout

More than 30 stakeholders gathered at Blip Coffee Roasters for a community planning presentation and input session on the future of the West Bottoms.

March 18th, 2026

West Bottoms Weekly: Rock Island Bridge Confirms April Opening with River House Restaurant

After years of construction, the Rock Island Bridge entertainment district will open the first weekend of April with an open-house event. River House restaurant, led by Andrew Miller and the Gilmore team, opens April 1.

March 12th, 2026

HWB Chairman Bruce Holloway to Receive Urban Hero Award at Downtown Council Annual Luncheon

Historic West Bottoms Association Chairman of the Board Bruce Holloway will be honored with an Urban Hero Award at the 2026 Downtown Council Annual Luncheon on April 10 for his community advocacy in the Historic West Bottoms.

March 11th, 2026

West Bottoms Weekly: Chef J BBQ Plans Second Location Ahead of World Cup, West Bottoms Whiskey Launches James Gang Rye

Chef J BBQ announces a 5,400-square-foot second location in North Kansas City timed for the FIFA World Cup, and West Bottoms Whiskey Co. releases James Gang Rye in collaboration with the Friends of the Jesse James Farm.

March 4th, 2026

West Bottoms Weekly: KCUR Spotlights Greenhouse Print Space in the Hobbs Building

KCUR profiles Greenhouse Print Space, a 5,000-square-foot printmaking studio hidden in the basement of the West Bottoms' Hobbs Building, keeping centuries of printing tradition alive.

February 25th, 2026

West Bottoms Weekly: Rock Island Bridge Inches Toward Opening, The Pitch Profiles New Material Books

KSHB reports the Rock Island Bridge entertainment district is nearing completion with a March 31 deadline, and The Pitch spotlights New Material Books in the Livestock Exchange Building.

February 19th, 2026

In the News: Skepticism and hope in the West Bottoms

KC Studio examines how the proposed 1,200-apartment redevelopment could impact West Bottoms residents, artists, and small businesses, including perspective from HWBA President Ian Davis of Blip Coffee Roasters.

January 10th, 2026

West Bottoms Sees Accelerated Redevelopment Along West 11th Street

Beautiful spring weather in Kansas City is helping accelerate the pace of redevelopment in the Historic West Bottoms.

June 9th, 2025

Stockyards Legends Dinner Honors Michael R. Haverty

The seventh annual Stockyards Legends Dinner on May 21, 2025, celebrated civic leader Michael R. Haverty with heartfelt tributes, historic reflections, and community camaraderie in Kansas City’s West Bottoms.

November 9th, 2024

Girls on the Run 5K in the West Bottoms

Thousands gathered in Kansas City’s historic West Bottoms on November 9th, 2024, for the Girls on the Run 5K, celebrating empowerment and achievement.

August 3rd, 2024

The New Liberty Courtyard Receives Media Attention

The newly redeveloped Liberty Courtyard under I-670 has been the host to several recent events in the West Bottoms and continues to generate attention in the community.

May 31st, 2024

Heritage Days 2024: Thank You!

This year, the Historic West Bottoms Association celebrated its 100th year as a chartered organization with the 10th year of our Heritage Days events!

May 17th, 2024

2nd Annual Wilbur Niewald Plein Air Weekend

43 Regional Outdoor Painters were pre-registered for the 2nd Annual Wilbur Niewald Plein Air Weekend, held on May 17th-18th in the Historic West Bottoms.

May 5th, 2024

2024 Annual Stockyards Legends Dinner

HWBA held our annual Stockyards Legends Dinner on May 6, 2024 in The Oliver Building.