As underscored by The Huffington Post six months ago, when it named Kansas City one of America’s “coolest” cities, things are looking bright for the onetime cowtown. While much of the buzz is about downtown’s revitalization, the historic West Bottoms has slowly and quietly undergone its own transformation over the past decade, emerging as a destination for restaurants, art studios, vintage shops, and other businesses.

What is behind the revival, and what does the future hold for the West Bottoms? Gina Kaufmann, host of KCUR’s Central Standard, moderates a timely conversation with local stakeholders.

Joining Kaufmann in the discussion:

• Kara Hess, a graphic designer and developmental marketing specialist who owns Dazium Design Solutions.
• Adam Jones, an architectural designer and developer specializing in preservation and restoration.
• Amy Kligman, an innovation leader at Hallmark Cards and co-founder, co-director and curator of the PLUG Projects exhibition space.
• Vladimir Krstic, an architecture professor at Kansas State University and director and CEO of the Kansas City Design Center. He received the Downtown Council of Kansas City’s Urban Hero award in 2014.