Latest news with #LeftLane
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Blackout license plates available for purchase in Kansas starting on July 1, 2025
TOPEKA (KSNT) – Kansas drivers will soon be able to start buying sleek new 'blackout-style' license plates this summer. The Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR) announced on Monday, May 12 in a press release that blackout-style license plates will be available for purchase starting on July 1, 2025. People interested in acquiring one of these new plates will simply need to pay a fee and visit their local county treasurer's office. 'I'm always happy to listen to my constituents about issues that matter to them,' Governor Laura Kelly said. 'By introducing the blackout license plate style, we are giving Kansans more options on the road while still adhering to safe license plate requirements.' KHP trooper warns of 'tire gator' danger on Kansas highways Zach Denney with KDOR said the new plates have an all-black background with sharp white lettering, which makes them stand out. Kansas lawmakers approved the new plates earlier this year, with Kelly giving them the green light near the end of the 2025 session of the state legislature. 'Kansans take pride in their license plates, and we've heard how much they love the blackout plate design offered in surrounding states,' Denney said. 'So, we knew we had to bring this design to Kansas.' What are 'sovereign citizen' license plates and are they legal? 'The blackout plate design has proven to be very popular in surrounding states, and we've had many Kansans ask for it to come to Kansas,' said Division of Vehicles Director Deann Williams. 'We've heard them loud and clear, and we are very excited to bring this highly requested plate design to Kansas vehicles this year.' KDOR will offer blackout plates for standard passenger vehicles and motorcycles. People will need to pay some additional fees including: One-time plate fee – $40. Annual royalty fee – $50. Optional personalization fee – $45.50. What is the Kansas 'Left Lane' law? Denney said the cash collected through the royalty fee will go towards the state's License Plate Replacement Fund and State Highway Fund. He said KDOR expects the new license plates to be a big money-maker for the Sunflower State. 'Based on first-year sales in surrounding states, the Department estimates that around 30,000 blackout plates will be sold in the first year they are available, generating $2.6 million in revenue,' Denney said. '$1.5 million of that revenue would come from the royalty fee, which would go to the newly created license plate replacement fund to be used by the Department to replace license plates that are past their lifespan.' Kansas residents can currently pick from a wide variety of distinctive license plates. You can check the full available list of options by clicking here. What new Kansas laws go into effect on July 1, 2025? For more Capitol Bureau news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Axios
30-01-2025
- Business
- Axios
Iconic Phoenix "Punchcard Building" to get long-awaited facelift
Construction on a long-anticipated redevelopment of the Phoenix Financial Center and its trademark "Punchcard Building," recognizable for its slotted windows and unique curved facade, is expected to begin next year. The big picture: The building, at Central Avenue and Osborn Road, is slated to become a mixed-use development with residential units, hotel rooms and amenities such as a pool, spa, fitness center, restaurants, bars and a grocery. The project is slated to become part of New York developer Left Lane's Recess Hotel & Club brand, which will debut in Savannah, Georgia, in early 2026. Flashback: The Phoenix Financial Center opened in 1964 with twin rotundas and a 10-story tower. The financial center was designed by architect Wenceslao Sarmiento, who also worked on the old Western Savings bank building at Metrocenter, which now houses Tombstone Tactical, a gun store. An expansion that added eight stories to the Punchcard Building began in 1969. Yes, but: Plans for an identical tower on the north side of the property never came to fruition. Zoom in: Left Lane partner Jon Bloomberg said his firm specializes in "iconic and historic office" buildings and plans to preserve the Phoenix Financial Center's unique architecture. "We love the bones. We love what is there. But currently, it's a mostly vacant office building," he said. A lot of developers consider it difficult to convert office space to residential units, Bloomberg said, but Left Lane intentionally selects buildings that convert well because they have the right shape, dimensions, ceiling heights and other qualities. "We're thrilled about the quality and the heritage of this building and look forward to bringing something very special to the neighborhood," Bloomberg said. Catch up quick: Phoenix-based developer Ironline Partners initially planned to redevelop the site, but Left Lane took over in 2023. State of play: Bloomberg told Axios that Left Lane scrapped the previous developer's plans for a 335-unit apartment building and will instead convert the parking lot to additional amenity space. Left Lane plans for 143 residential units and 209 guest rooms and suites, along with 33,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space. The twin rotunda buildings will likely be home to restaurants and similar features, Bloomberg said. What's next: Bloomberg expects the design process to last through the end of the year and hopes to start construction in 2026. Left Lane is partnered with the current owner and expects to close by the end of 2025, he said.
