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Missouri Preservation’s 2008 Most Endangered Historic Places |
Four properties in the greater Kansas City area have been placed on the 2008
Most Endangered Historic Places list by Missouri Alliance for Historic
Preservation. The Most Endangered Historic Places List, one of Missouri
Preservation’s most visible programs, brings much needed attention to the
state’s most threatened historic resources throughout the state. During
the year, Missouri Preservation provides technical assistance, advocacy, and
planning support for the listed properties.
- Harry S. Truman National Historic Landmark District - Independence
(Jackson County)
- Janssen Place Entry Gates - Kansas City (Jackson
County)
- African-American Schools Across Missouri—Banneker School
- Parkville (Platte County)
- Wheatley-Provident Hospital - Kansas City
(Jackson County)
A fifth property has been placed on the 2008 Watched
Properties List—18th & Vine Historic District - Kansas City (Jackson
County).
For more information on the list go to
Preservemo.
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Harry S. Truman National Historic Landmark District—Independence |
Missouri Preservation’s 2008 Most Endangered Historic Places
Established in 1972, the Harry S. Truman National
Historic Landmark District was personally endorsed by President Harry S. Truman
shortly before his death. The Truman family’s relationship with their
neighborhood has been consistently highlighted by historians and directly linked
to the personal character and success of Harry S. Truman. The south end of the
Truman National Historic Landmark District (NHL) has additional importance as
the “setting” for a National Historic Site (NHS), which includes two
bungalows, owned by members of Bess Truman’s family.
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Read more...
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Janssen Place Entry Gates—Kansas City (Jackson County) |
Missouri Preservation’s 2008 Most Endangered Historic Places
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The
Janssen Place Entry Gates mark the entrance to a unique street in Kansas City.
Kansas City’s only private street, Janssen Place was developed in the
1890s in the heart of the upper class Hyde Park neighborhood. The entry gates
mark the north end of the street and the only point of public access. The
structure suffers from deferred maintenance and water damage. The stone is
delaminating from multiple locations on the gates. If the decay is not arrested
soon, the cost to repair the entry gates will escalate to a level that is out of
reach for the resident-owners. Preservation of the entry gates is critical
because they are an icon for the distinguished Janssen Place neighborhood and
also symbolize the historic and modern prosperity of Kansas City's historic
neighborhoods. |
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The Banneker School—Parkville (Platte County) |
Missouri Preservation’s Most Endangered Historic Places
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The Banneker
School, built in 1885, was the first African-American school constructed in
Platte County. Students came from as far away as twenty miles to attend the
one-room school house. It closed around 1905 when a two-room school was built
nearby. The school fell into private hands and was converted into a home. In the
1980s, Mrs. Lucille Douglass purchased the property to save it from demolition
and deeded it to the Platte County Historical and Genealogical Society. Money
raised by this group funded some initial restoration work that returned the
building to its original configuration. No work has occurred since the 1990s,
and the building now faces threats from vandalism and deferred maintenance.
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Wheatley-Provident Hospital—Kansas City (Jackson County) |
Missouri Preservation’s 2008 Most Endangered Historic Places
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Wheatley-Provident Hospital is the sole surviving hospital building in Kansas
City that was established for and run by the African-American community during
the period of 1902 to 1972. Dr. J. Edward Perry founded the facility as a
hospital and training school for nurses in 1902. The limestone building has two
wings. The original wing was built in 1902 as the St. Joseph’s Parochial
School. The second wing, added in 1925, was designed by the well-known Kansas
City architecture firm of Hoit, Price, and Barnes. One of the last historic
buildings in this part of Kansas City, Wheatly-Provident Hospital retains a
strong historical association with the 18th and Vine neighborhood just a few
blocks to the east, which was the heart of Kansas City's African-American
community during the years of segregation. The building is vacant. It is
threatened by neglect and is currently listed as a dangerous building by the
City of Kansas City, Missouri. Wheatley-Provident Hospital is listed in the
Kansas City Register of Historic Places.
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18th & Vine Historic District (1887-1926)—Kansas City (Jackson County) |
Missouri Preservation’s 2008 Watched
Properties List
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One of the most important African-American commercial and cultural
centers in the Mid-west, the 18th and Vine Historic District has undergone
quality redevelopment over the past ten years. Utilizing federal and private
monies, the Jazz District Redevelopment Commission (JDRC) has conducted several
praiseworthy projects in this neighborhood, including the construction of
commercial and multi-family housing. To date, however, JDRC has not completed
measures to protect a number of historic buildings as the organization had
agreed to when it accepted federal funds. Missouri Preservation has offered to
assist the JDRC to ensure that these properties, essential to the perpetuation
of this historic district, are stabilized and monitored properly until ready for
reuse.
2008 Update: JDRC is set to start rehabilitation this summer on
the last six single-family dwellings in the neighborhood and the Rochester
Hotel. These buildings will provide much needed senior housing and will be
marketed to members of the jazz community. |
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June 2008
Heritage Hikes
Exploring Kansas City, Missouri's First Neighborhoods
June 10—Return to the Riverfront...The Town of Kansas
June 17—The Village of West Port...The Gateway West
June 24—Quality Hill...Kansas City's Silk Stocking Ridge
Each hike highlights the architecture and history of the neighborhood. Participants receive brochures with maps which feature historical and architectural dialogue. Refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the each hike. Hikes are from 9 am to 12 pm.
Fees:
Communiversity at time of registration: $15 for series, $9 per hike
HKCF at time of hike: $25 for series, $10 per hike
Total for series = $40, per hike = $19
To reserve, contact UMKC's Communiversity at (816) 235-1448.
For questions or more information, contact Lucinda.
June 10th hike starts at the Pedestrian Bridge, where Main Street begins.
June 17th hike starts in front of Westport Presbyterian Church, 201 Westport Road.
June 24th hike starts at Grace & Holy Trinity Cathedral, 13th & Broadway
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