Healthy Communities vision for downtown Kansas City, Kan., unveiled

by William Crum

About 200 people came to City Hall in Kansas City, Kan., to see the new Healthy Communities vision for downtown Kansas City, Kan.

Afterwards the people split off in small groups to ask questions and to give their input.

This is part of Mayor Mark Holland’s campaign to create a healthier community. Decades ago, Minnesota Avenue was the busiest shopping area in the state of Kansas. Soon that reality could happen again.

The area near 10th and Minnesota in downtown Kansas City, Kan., would have a community center managed by the YMCA, urban gardens and orchards, a farmers market, multi housing and a grocery store.

This development would attract new businesses, according to the architects, Gould Evans. It would offer new opportunities for local residents as well.

”We plan to break ground on the first phase of the project within the next two years,” said Mayor Mark Holland. More meetings are planned for this project in the future, including a public hearing by the Planning Commission on Nov. 10.

About 200 people turned out for the unveiling of the plan for the downtown healthy campus tonight. (Photo by William Crum)

Mayor Mark Holland discussed the healthy campus with those attending tonight's meeting. (Photo by William Crum) — Mayor Mark Holland discussed the healthy campus with those attending tonight’s meeting. (Photo by William Crum)

Small groups discussed the healthy campus concept and provided their comments for the Unified Government. (Photo by William Crum)

The new downtown healthy campus, from the architect's drawing. (Architect's illustration) — The new downtown healthy campus, from the architect’s drawing. (Architect’s illustration)”