Metcalf 103 on the rise

The large shopping center known as Metcalf 103 is on the rise.
Above, Craig Cooper with NAI, d’Bronx manager Rose Davis, Betsy Bell and Kelsy Burvee; CBRE – David Hickman (Senior Vice President, retail leasing and Bud Light ironman triathlete); and TIC Properties Management – Diane Davis (regional property manager).
After four years of gradual decay under the management of a now defunct Idaho corporation, Metcalf 103 has landed in the capable hands of TIC Properties Management, an asset management company based in South Carolina. Daily operations are the responsibility of Kansas City’s NAI Capital Realty, whose offices along nearby College Blvd. allow for frequent contact with the tenants. NAI President Kevin Wilkerson said “these (Metcalf 103) owners are great to have working beside us. They are actively involved, are smart and know exactly what they are doing. It makes our job a lot easier.”
The former property management company, DBSI Inc., declared bankruptcy a year ago and left a trail of hundreds of properties nationwide in various stages of disrepair.
When the bankruptcy was filed, the owners of 99% of Metcalf 103 went into action to save it. They started an internet based discussion group, began having weekly conference calls, and hired a property attorney, an asset management company and a property management company to run the asset while they worked to extricate it from the DBSI bankruptcy case. The effort was massive and successful.
The owners who a year ago were in a mild state of shock and confusion are now very much involved in the property’s comeback. They have taken control and set out to undo the damage that prior management caused over the past few years.
NAI’s Craig Cooper and Melissa Staley report that there is an entirely new and optimistic outlook in place across the entire tenant spectrum.
Those driving by the property, which runs from 103rd to 105th Street on the east side of Metcalf, will immediately notice the new mansard roof shingles that have been systematically replaced over the past two months. Less visible is the interior courtyard work that is underway, which will be followed by repainting of the property exterior. The parking lots have been repaired, sealed and restriped, exterior lighting has been replaced or repaired and the large monument sign in front of the property is once again operating at night. Not seen is the below ground work. Deteriorated water pipes have been replaced and significant foundation repair has been completed in the corner of one building where settling had occurred.

The work on Metcalf 103 has not gone unnoticed by outside interests either. Talks are underway with a prospective tenant which would be making its first inroad into the K.C. marketplace. And existing tenants are negotiating new leases in the much improved surroundings.
NCRI goes green
For more than 38 years, NCRI – National Catastrophe Restoration Inc. has been responding to and restoring disasters across the KC Metro Area. Below, Darin Carnahan, Jeffrey McKinzy, Angel Arteaga and warehouse coordinator Steve Luttman.

A total disaster restoration company, NCRI also is the only Certified Woman Owned, ISO Certified 9001, GSA Contract Holder, and Full Service Restoration Company in the world. They provide emergency power, window board up, water removal, remodel reconstruction and document drying. Their vast and diverse work experience includes entities such as commercial and residential properties.
NCRI with Brenda Smith, VP of Human Resources and Patricia Easter, President, prides itself on providing 24/7 emergency mitigation and turn-key restoration of damage caused by fire, smoke, water, wind, earthquake and all types of natural and man-made disasters to companies across the economic spectrum. From its onset, NCRI’s personal commitment, proven methods, specialized services and technically advanced procedures have established them as a global leader.
NCRI also is a member of the Green Risk Professional program, demonstrating a commitment to green practices. NCRI is one of the restoration companies in the KC Metro Area to have certified Green Risk Professionals (GRP) on staff. These GRP’s have an exceptional understanding of not only green building materials and cleaning products but also understand the sustainability issues regarding green risks and how green risks impact insurers and the claim process. Their experienced and certified technicians insure your environment is free of fire, soot, smoke, water, and mold contamination using the latest technology and green products for a healthier work and living surroundings. To reach NCRI or to schedule a free estimate, call 913-663-4111 or visit www.ncricat.com
KC Riverfront dedicates bridge

Kansas City’s Riverfront area got a boost recently when the Port Authority and its project partners kicked off the Town of Kansas Bridge enhancements with a holiday lighting ceremony. This latest riverfront improvement drew of festive crowd of about 200 guests, including (above) Port Authority Chairman Trey Runnion, Interim Kansas City, Missouri City Manager Troy Schulte, and reStart Executive Director Evelyn E. Craig, who “flipped the switch” at the Town of Kansas Pedestrian Bridge illuminating newly installed signage.
“Tonight, we’re kicking off another exciting construction project that includes major enhancements to the Town of Kansas Bridge,” Runnion said. “During 2010, the Port Authority will be enhancing the bridge to increase the ease of use for bicyclists, including the installation of a “U-Rail” track system within the stair tower.”
Below, Vincent P. Gauthier (Executive Director, Port Authority) and Joanne Collins (Commissioner, Port Authority), at the ceremony.
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KEM Studio serves as the project designer and lead architect, el dorado architects and James Woodfill are project artists, Patti Banks Associates is the landscape architect consultant and Dimensional Innovations is the signage fabricator. As part of the Riverfront Heritage Trail, the Town of Kansas Pedestrian Bridge adds access from Riverfront West and Berkley Park to the historic River Market area, while providing an excellent scenic overlook of the Missouri River. The Port Authority hopes to establish a new holiday tradition with the addition of a Riverfront Lighting Ceremony each holiday season.