Church, School, Homes Share a Block

On Kenwood between 34th and Armour Boulevard, these three single-family homes were the frequent sites of bridge parties, sewing clubs and other get-togethers in the decades immediately before these photos were taken in 1940. When the 10-room residence at 3428 Kenwood was advertised in 1928, it offered four bedrooms and a bath on the second floor and two rooms on the third floor, as well as an “excellent location for renting rooms to school teachers” at the adjacent Longan school. — On Kenwood between 34th and Armour Boulevard, these three single-family homes were the frequent sites of bridge parties, sewing clubs, and other get-togethers in the decades immediately before these photos were taken in 1940. When the 10-room residence at 3428 Kenwood was advertised in 1928, it offered four bedrooms, a bath on the second floor, two rooms on the third floor, and an “excellent location for renting rooms to school teachers” at the adjacent Longan school.

This block of Midtown, from Armour to 34th between Cherry and Kenwood, is perhaps best known as the home of the Longan School (now Academie Lafayette) and the Trinity United Methodist Church. However, the block was not completely dominated by these institutions. It also offered three homes along Kenwood, four on Cherry, and a luxury apartment house on Armour.

As part of our Uncovering History Project, the Midtown KC Post is taking a look at each block in Midtown, including a set of 1940 tax assessment photos which is available for many blocks. (Many people seem confused by the tax assessment photos, which all include a man holding a sign. Here’s the story behind them).

A 1909-1950 Sanborn map of the block.

The Armour Park Apartments, now renovated, offered luxury apartment living to well-off families. In newspaper ads in the 1920s, the owners touted the five-to-eight-room large spaces with up to three bathrooms, ample garage space, and a break from the hassle of having to hire servants to staff a big house.

Trinity United Methodist Church, seen here in this 1940 photo, purchased its site at the northwest corner of Armour and Kenwood in 1919.

Four houses on Cherry Street, below, filled out the block. Long-time residents included the Holloway family, headed by a real estate salesman and Democratic committeeman Thomas Holloway.

Historic photos courtesy Kansas City Public Library/Missouri Valley Special Collections.

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