Buildings and Architecture

From four-plexes to shirtwaists, Midtown’s unique architecture sets it apart.

Newly-Renovated Scottish Rite Temple Anchors Historic Linwood and Paseo Block

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The Kansas City Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Temple is a massive structure that has fascinated those driving along Linwood and the Paseo for years. The Scottish Rite, the largest branch of Freemasonry, still uses the building for meetings and administration. Faced with the ever-soaring cost of maintenance, however, the group hopes a 2019 renovation will […]

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Newly-renovated Scottish Rite Temple Anchors Historic Linwood and Paseo Block

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May 13, 2019 The Kansas City Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Temple is a massive structure that has fascinated those driving along Linwood and the Paseo for years. Last week, the Temple was opened for a public tour to showcase its renovations. The Scottish Rite, the largest branch of Freemasonry, still uses the building for meetings

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Small Bungalows, Apartments Made Up South Hyde Park Block

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Like most of Midtown, people moved in and out of this South Hyde Park neighborhood from the time its small homes and apartments were built in the early 1900s. Owners and their families occupied some of the small bungalows; others were rented from real estate companies.  Today, the block bounded by Holmes, Gillham and 43rd

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Walnuts Apartments Replaced Famous Mansion of the Same Name

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Before the Walnuts, among Kansas City’s most high-end apartments, were erected in 1929, a large home stood on the same site at Fifty-first and Wornall. The mansion—also known as the Walnuts ­ —became a famous venue for entertaining well-to-do city residents until a developer saw the site’s potential as a luxury residential hotel.  Today, block between

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Famous “Bachelor Retreat” Once Stood at 36th and Main

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The block between Main and Walnut from 36th to 37th Streets has seen many changes since it attracted its first residents in the late 1800s. Its history reflects the movement of people from the north to the new “south side” around the turn of the century, which brought new homes, businesses, and a church to

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Small Bungalows Lined Belleview, Jarboe in 1940

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The West Plaza neighborhood is one of Midtown’s historic areas where working-class families owned and rented homes in these photos. This block of Belleview and Jarboe between 45th and 46th is a great example. Residents in these 1940s photos included streetcar and meatpacking workers, a movie theater projectionist, and the owner of a watch repair business.

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