The Main Street Forum of Historic Streetcar Neighborhoods is an alliance of midtown neighborhoods working to coordinate discussion and planning as the streetcar line extension is developed. Leaders use a private Facebook group for neighborhood presidents and their invited guests for discussion of related issues. We also have a public Facebook page that is open to anyone who wants to stay updated on development issues along Main Street. HKC convened the forum in 2021 to help protect remaining historic resources and to create a “big picture” approach to development along the streetcar line. This group meets quarterly.
In 2024, the MSFSN group worked on multiple issues; demolitions by KC Life within the Valentine Neighborhood, Sunflower proposal in Union Hill,
rezoning of 4438-4450 Washington, 31st and Main, 4526 Warwick, designation of the Carmen Building at 111 W. Linwood, KCMO Public Engagement Study, Midtown traffic and parking issues, Neighborhood Empowerment grants, area plan compliance, illegal dumping, gentrification and displacement risk, Demolition Review Delay Ordinance, and STR’s.
The MSFSN group worked together on multiple issues in 2023. Select examples include members of MSFSN worked in support of the Old Hyde Park Historic District Neighborhood regarding the development proposal at Armour and Main Street by MAC Properties regarding issues concerning parking, traffic, and a more strategic approach to how these issues are intersected. The project ultimately stalled. In addition, members of MSFSN supported the neighborhood’s efforts to help preserve the historic brick apartment building at 200 – 202 W. 36th Street from being painted. Bricks tend to have a reputation of being indestructible. That’s simply not the case. When you paint over a brick building, you’re impacting the breathability of the building by allowing paint to trap and retain moisture. Other issues include support of the Union Hill Neighborhood for the Historic Designation of 31st and Main Street, support of the Southmoreland Neighborhood for the Historic Designation of 4526 Warwick, and Midtown Traffic and Parking Issues.
In May 2023, UMKC issued a Request for Proposals for the development of a 5.3-acre site on Oak Street on its Volker Campus. The site includes the Colonial Shops, the first shops built in 1907 by J.C. Nichols to serve his residential developments. The development was envisioned as a community destination with an arena suitable for athletics. The site, next to the streetcar terminus, has the potential to become a multi-modal transit hub. HKC collaborated with members of MSFSN and participated in listening sessions hosted by UMKC on the proposed development. The project has been paused. Officials said responses came in higher than expected based on the specifications in the request for proposals and higher than anticipated project costs.
An untaxed and largely unpermitted lodging activity was allowed to disrupt neighborhoods and displace residents, while our city hemorrhaged revenue.
With strong leadership from Midtown neighborhood leaders, the historic character of Midtown neighborhoods is better protected. An outgrowth of the MSFSN, for approximately a year neighborhood leaders, and HKC, met and worked with City Councilman Bunch and the Mayor’s Office in preparation of committee substitutes for Ordinances 230267 and 230268 that collectively transfer the oversight and management of the short-term rental program to the Neighborhood Services Department, further define the permitting requirements for short-term rentals, and strengthen the City’s enforcement authority with both operators and intermediaries.