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From Flourishing Neighborhoods to Gentrification

A Glimpse into the Past: Once upon a time, Kansas City was home to vibrant spaces that fostered community and connection. Fairyland Amusement Park, complete with a drive-in theater, thrived at 75th & Prospect. King Louie Bowling Alley, which included an arcade and pool hall, was a lively destination on Troost. Loma Vista Bowling Alley, also featuring an arcade and pool hall, stood on 87th Street. Brywood’s Movie Theater & Drive-In was located on 63rd Street off 435 Highway. Even Grandview, just south of the city and off 71 Highway, had a popular skating rink.

How Did We Get Here?: The story of Kansas City's neighborhoods is intertwined with the broader narrative of human progress. From early evolution to the age of exploration and colonization, shifts in power, social structure, and the treatment of marginalized groups. The arrival of European settlers in 1492 initiated centuries of conquest and colonial practices, marked by violence, racism, and systemic exclusion.

In the United States, landmark events attempted to bring progress and equality: the Three-Fifths Compromise in 1787, the 15th Amendment in 1870, and the 19th Amendment in 1920, which collectively hinted at change. Yet, the verbiage changed, but the systemic agendas remained.

Kansas City’s Historical Context:

• Missouri, known as the Show Me State, joined the Union in 1821.
• Kansas City was incorporated as a city in 1853.
• The Kansas City Missouri Police Department was established in 1874.
• In 1906, J.C. Nichols embarked on his project to “beautify” the city, an initiative that would have long-lasting implications for its neighborhoods.

The Legacy of Segregation: After World War II, Kansas City experienced an influx of Black residents, many of whom had fought in the war and returned to Union Station (built in 1914). The post-war era saw intentional, legally sanctioned practices such as blockbusting, redlining, and white flight. These tactics systematically confined Black families to neighborhoods east of Troost Avenue, with boundaries often no further south than 18th and Vine. This was not simply a "divide" but an orchestrated, decades-long strategy aimed at maintaining racial and economic control.

The Illusion of Progress: The end of the 19th and early 20th centuries brought legislative milestones like the Fair Housing Act of 1968, which sought to address racial discrimination in housing. However, progress often felt superficial. The policies and practices that created segregation remained deeply embedded in Kansas City's urban planning and development strategies.

Understanding Gentrification: Gentrification is the process in which historically disinvested neighborhoods, left under-resourced and marginalized, become attractive to more affluent residents. This shift often results in rising property values, the displacement of long-standing residents on fixed incomes, and the transformation of local stores that once catered to lower-income households. While property prices rise and neighborhood infrastructure improves, the original residents face challenges maintaining their homes and livelihoods.

The Land Bank and Modern Realities: In 2012, Missouri state legislation established the Land Bank of Kansas City, a governmental entity tasked with acquiring tax-delinquent properties. The goal was to sell these properties at discounted rates to those committed to renovating them. While this program aims to revitalize neighborhoods, it has also contributed to a growing disparity between newcomers and long-term residents. Thousands of properties managed by the Land Bank remain a symbol of both potential and struggle.

Moving Forward: Creating Opportunities: The path forward requires intentional strategies that center neighborhood needs and prioritize long-term equity. MRW! is committed to aggressively building strategies to optimizing opportunities and ensure that Kansas City's development includes, rather than excludes, its most vulnerable residents.

The Call to Action: Kansas City's future can be one of unity, resilience, and shared prosperity. But that future depends on us recognizing the past, confronting systemic issues, and making choices that uplift every neighborhood, not just those deemed desirable by wealthier newcomers. Adopt a neighborhood mentality and work together for the betterment of all. Building Kansas City—one neighborhood at a time.