BOON AREA 1

In 2016, MRW! acquired a 4,000 sq ft parcel in a B1-1 business zone from the Kansas City Land Bank. The property had previously been vacant and underutilized. The site was transformed through:

• Beautification and cleanup
• Installation of native plant landscaping
• Environmental art features
• Low-maintenance ecological design
   

This transformation demonstrated how small vacant parcels can become functional community spaces that support both environmental sustainability and neighborhood engagement.

In 2019 the site was intentionally designed to reduce maintenance and environmental impact.

Results include:

• Since 2020, the property no longer requires regular mowing
• Native landscaping reduces water and maintenance needs
• Estimated 178–480 pounds of CO₂ emissions avoided annually from reduced mowing and maintenance
   

The project demonstrates how native plant landscapes can replace conventional lawn management in urban commercial zones.

BOON AREA 1 also creates direct neighborhood benefit.

From 2021–2025, revenue generated through BOON AREA 1 activities such as 2nd Sundays and Boon Fest!, has provided annual financial contributions to the Noble Neighborhood and in 2026 was able to support UMKC-Center For Neighborhoods.

Showing how small-scale place-based installations can:

• Support neighborhood beautification
• Demonstrate environmental practices
• Generate modest revenue that can be reinvested locally
• Providing educational and volunteer opportunities