JoyceKC’s notebook for Sept. 5: Former JJ’s site update, Inferno confusion downtown, Winstead’s building for sale

Former JJ’s site spruced up

In late August, a Jackson County jury found Time Warner Cable primarily at fault for the February 2013 explosion and fire that destroyed JJ’s restaurant.

As the case was making its way through the system in the last few weeks, VanTrust Real Estate was regrading and sprucing up the parcel of land on the northeast corner of 48th Street and Belleview Avenue that had housed JJ’s (JJ’s relocated across 48th Street).

Justin Duff, director, development, for VanTrust, said the company doesn’t have any active plans to develop the property at this time.

Independence Center updates

Independence Center, at Interstate 70 and Missouri 291 in Independence, has temporarily shut down its restrooms for remodeling.

When the project is completed later this month, the restrooms will have contemporary finishes, fixtures and signage, including porcelain tile, quartz countertops, and LED lighting for a “sleek, modern aesthetic.” A new restroom layout also will make room for a private nursing lounge and another family restroom with child-friendly facilities. Temporary restroom facilities have been made available outside of the southeast entrance.

A parking lot also has been closed off as work starts on the new Dick’s Sporting Goods, set to open in February 2016.

New owner for Red Snapper

After a dozen years of operations, Red Snapper has a new owner. Jason Pi, owner of Samurai Chef Steak & Sushi in Independence, recently took over the restaurant at 8430 Ward Parkway, just north of Ward Parkway Center. He said he will keep the same menu and same employees.

2 Infernos in the Crossroads?

A new restaurant and bar called Inferno wants to open at 1501 Grand Blvd., former home of Duke’s on Grand and Downtown Pizza Co.

That was news to Rod Parks, owner of Retro Inferno, just across the street.

The Inferno Show Lounge operated for many years at 40th Street and Troost Avenue. In mid-1998, Parks opened his vintage modern home furnishings store in the Crossroads Arts District and used the former Inferno sign as the sign for his store.

Now Parks, who relocated Retro Inferno to 1500 Grand in 2004, is getting mail for the new Inferno and even a call from a prospective contractor wanting to do work on the new restaurant.

Officials with the new Inferno did not return phone calls.

“They told me they were going to change the name. I don’t know what their current plans are,” Parks said. “But if you are looking for Inferno and you are at 15th and Grand, there are the big letters Inferno in my window. It’s going to be a confusing mess if they don’t change the name.”

[See our interactive downtown development map.]

Winstead’s building for sale

Winstead’s at 101 Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd., just east of the Country Club Plaza, was recently for sale. LoopNet, an online commercial real estate marketplace, has the 4,390-square-foot building listed for $3.2 million. According to the listing, Winstead’s has been operating at the site “for 75 years and just executed a brand new 20-year lease, demonstrating their commitment to the location.”

Officials with Winstead’s did not return phone calls.

This story was originally published September 5, 2015 at 1:00 AM with the headline "JoyceKC’s notebook for Sept. 5: Former JJ’s site update, Inferno confusion downtown, Winstead’s building for sale."