We've been hearing a lot recently about all of the progress going on downtown, and rightfully so. The long-neglected downtown area is now seeing a building boom, from the new Sprint Arena to the Power and Light District. I have to admit I'm excited about it. The new entertainment and retail district is being built by the Cordish Co. I visited a similar project that Cordish built in the firm's home city of Baltimore and was very impressed. If they match the same quality here in Kansas City, it will be a jewel for the metro.

However, there's also something to be excited about just south of downtown. A major attraction is taking shape at the Liberty Memorial. In just a few months, the National World War I Museum will open its doors.

I had a chance to get a sneak peak of the museum a few weeks ago and came away impressed. There's still much work to be done, but it was easy to see that this could be a top-notch attraction. From the entrance, which will be a glass bridge over a field of silk flowers representing the lives lost in the war, to a battlefield trench that will give visitors a first-hand look at what it was like for the soldiers. There will also be several multi-media areas that will make you feel like you're traveling back in time to the "War to end all wars."

One of the first places I take visitors in Kansas City is Union Station. Just as I was the first time I went there, they come away awed by the beauty and history of that magnificent building. Now, just across the street, there will soon be another place that could also be a must-see for anyone visiting Kansas City.

The National World War I Museum will open to the public on December 2. We'll have complete coverage of the grand opening on KMBC and First News.