History of CIDA

Many people look at the CID and are impressed by the district’s rich and exciting history. They come to invest in this area in part because of that rich tradition. They recall the days of the stockyards and meat packing industries, the Union Depot, the Blossom House Hotel, the beer and grain companies, the many railroads and the problems with deferred maintenance and the decline of this once vital industrial district. Those who view the CID so negatively question investment in the area. However, today there is renewed optimism that springs from real accomplishments and developments, not hopes and wishes. Interestingly, this growth is not the product of a new vision. Rather all the factors that have made the area great over the years are still in play. Here you will find a wonderful blend of basic values combined with loyalty, toughness, resiliency and entrepreneurial spirit. This core essence of the CID constantly serves to rekindle the vision of our future.

Originally, the CID was referred to as the “French Bottoms”. It was the site of trade between French trappers and Kansa Indians. The trappers first established the site as a future area of commerce. With the onset of western immigration and trade with Mexico over the Santa Fe Trail, the CID became the receiving point for goods off-loaded from steamships traveling upstream on the Missouri river. The area became identified as the economic driver of the emerging city. The advent of the railroad really increased the importance of the area to the city. The stockyards then chose to develop there because of the livestock that came in from the Southwest over the rails. A whole city grew around the stockyards. The Union Depot was built on Union Street and hotels, bars and restaurants flourished. This flood plane gradually acquired the name “West Bottoms”. By 1900 over 90 percent of the value in Kansas City lay in the CID. A devastating flood in 1903 ended the investment in housing, schools and churches. Also gone was the Union Depot that was rebuilt in its present location. However, the agricultural, meat packing, freight and industrial investments continued to grow. By then the rule of thumb was clearly established namely the economic vitality of the city was determined by the economic progress of the CID.

Good times never last forever. Economic factors out of control of anyone’s control occurred that set the area and the city back significantly. Paradoxically, the first economic blow came with the ending of World War II. Over 20 thousand jobs were lost when the extensive military construction in the city suddenly was terminated. A major flood in 1951 was the second economic blow to the city. Packing companies and supportive industries moved out of the area and many closed. The combined impact on the area economy was catastrophic. In the course of 5-6 years 50,000 jobs were lost to the area’s economy and the city was half the size it is now. The negative effect on the city can only be imagined. Wage earners out of work stopped shopping downtown. Without the economic tools to stop the slippage the center city in time collapsed. Because the city’s tax base significantly eroded it could not maintain its streets, bridges or engage in meaningful investments. It is not surprising that a huge backlog of deferred maintenance occurred and that the city core all but collapsed.

Lately, the city has begun to reinvest in the CID. Since that decision was made, the CID has become a focus of redevelopment and investment that contributes to the economic vitality of the entire city. All of the area bridges will be rebuilt or repaired, a new storm water system will be constructed, critical new roads to be added to serve needed areas and blight and environmental problems will be remediated. As the public sector has begun to make significant investments in the area, the private sector has responded. In fact, the level of private investment has outstripped the public contributions. Unlike only a few years ago, companies are moving into the area, not away. The area is already showing the effects of new investment. Soon new trees, trails, green spaces and restaurants will delight workers and visitors. Adaptive reuse of historic buildings will encourage the development of small businesses and some housing.

Those of you who are committed to the development of the CID and love it passionately, you are part of the future of the CID. Not too long from now people will look at what you have done. Make sure you have given it your best shot.

CIDA past newsletters:

Summer: 05 (pdf file)
Summer: 06 (pdf file)
Winter: 05-06 (pdf file)
Summer: 07 (pdf file)

 HISTORY OF WESTPORT LANDING (pdf file)

THE EARLIEST BEGINNINGS