Historic Kansas City Foundation

I was really impressed with HKCF’s willingness to «go the extra mile» for some out-​of-​towners who were interested in local history. A friend and I were going to be in from out of town and were really keen to learn about the architecture and history of KC. We checked their web site for tours to see what the availability was, but the note said that tours were available for «groups of four or more.» Sad face. But, since the tour was only $ 10 per person, we decided to ask whether, if we paid $ 20 each [we come from Chicago, where an architecture tour is more than that per person, standard], could we arrange for it to be done with just the two of us? We coordinated with a guide and yes, it was set up, so we got to have our very own 2 hour walking tour and lecture of the Art Deco buildings in downtown KC! (many of them have been renovated into loft/​apartment spaces, so gladly they haven’t been torn down despite lack of use. The coolest were the Power and Light, with a glass «lantern» in the top spire; the Union Carbide, with dark brickwork offset by pale «gingerbread icing» trim in Deco patterns; and the Jenkins Music Company building, with a black façade and Deco chevrons in contrasting gold [it’s only the face of the building now; it backs up to parking garages, but at least they saved that!])
We unfortunately coincided with a VERY hot day but our obliging guide soldiered on. Overall, it was an informative and interesting event. Thanks so much for working with us, HKCF! We got to see some of the real old KC that we wouldn’t have otherwise. :)