KCATA 27th & Prospect Building Demolition Slated
The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority hosted a ceremonial building demolition event at 10 a.m. Aug. 1, 2018, on the southeast corner of 27th & Prospect. Highlighting the event were comments from U.S. Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, KCMO Mayor Sly James, 3rd District Councilman Jermaine Reed, and others. The Youth Choir from Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church will also perform.
“KCATA’s commitment goes beyond running buses up and down the street,” said Robbie Makinen, KCATA president & CEO. “We are also committed to driving economic and community development by making our neighborhoods cleaner and safer. We hope this demolition demonstrates what a good neighbor transit can be in revitalizing the Prospect Corridor.”
The KCATA has contracted with MBE-DBE Excavating & Grading, based in Kansas City, Kansas. The demolition of the 4,200 sq. ft. building and filling of the basement area, topped with topsoil and grass seed, should be completed in approximately two weeks. The current site represents a safety hazard. With the eventual removal of the building, it will strengthen the safety and improve the appearance of this intersection and surrounding neighborhood. The cleared property is expected to be more attractive to potential investors, particularly with new developments on the west side of the street.
“I have been committed to seeing this intersection revitalized ever since I took office,” said Reed. “You just have to look around to see the results of what leadership and commitment will produce. I appreciate the longstanding partnership with KCATA. And very soon, we’ll be celebrating the groundbreaking of Prospect MAX.”
Adjacent to the demolition site is the new $74 million Leon Mercer Jordan East Patrol Campus that opened in Spring 2016. Opposite that corner is the Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church’s Youth and Family Life Center. The center’s mission is to help families with tutoring, job-training skills, counseling, as well as health and wellness programs.
