Background and Orientation
The Hickman Mills Area is a diverse, first ring suburban community located approximately 10 miles southeast of Downtown Kansas City, Mo. The area, which is within the 6th Council District, developed largely in the decades following World War II (1950-1970). During that time, Interstates 435 and 470 were built and postwar housing developed at a rapid pace.
Since 1970, development and population growth have stabilized. Proportionately, fewer new houses have been built, and the large stock of housing built there during the 1950s and 60s no longer satisfies market demand. Houses are smaller, often with slab on grade foundations. Many of the houses do not have the amenities found with newer construction, and some neighborhoods that developed before annexation into the city (1961 and 1963) are in need of basic urban infrastructure (sidewalks, sewers).
The area has good access to the interstate system; however arterial street connections and improvements to other modes of transportation such as public transportation and bicycling are needed. Since 1980, owner occupancy has declined and there have been significant shifts in demographics. Retail areas are struggling and their future viability is uncertain. Recent years have seen the decline of a once thriving regional mall (Bannister Mall), built in the 1980s and the formation of a Community Improvement District to attempt to reverse that decline.
Hickman Mills has a rich historic trails heritage, which presents opportunities for building identity and the area is adjacent to two of the City's largest park amenities (Blue River Parkway and Longview Lake). Various organizations and community groups, in addition to the City, are now working to improve neighborhood health and promote area history and image. | |
