Barring another City Council revolt like the one that sent a publicly approved plan for a new airport into a tailspin last fall, Kansas City will be getting a new airport designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM). SOM is one of the oldest and largest architectural, urban planning and engineering firms in the nation, with an airport track record second to none. The proposed $1 billion single terminal will replace the three existing terminals built more than four decades ago.

The threat of rain may have forced organizers to move the Kansas City Museum’s construction kickoff indoors, but it hardly discouraged people from attending the Oct. 10 ceremony. The iffy weather may have even helped underscore the importance of the event, as being inside Corinthian Hall made clear how much it needs restoration and renovation if it is to fulfill its promise for the future.