Error message

The image style of field_banner_image field is broken on the node bundle special_events. Try (re)setting the image style in the display settings and form display settings.
lightbulb with city skyline

The Role of Central Library in Downtown’s Revitalization

In the late 1990s, Kansas Citians called downtown an “urban wasteland.” A 1997 Kansas City Star article described it like this: “Mostly you've got surface parking lots, acres and acres of them, where buildings once stood. After dark, the attractions are limited to a couple of low-rent bars and a massage parlor.”

In 2000, community leaders came together to finance the $50.2 million renovation of the old First National Bank building, gambling that a beautiful new library would revitalize the area. They were right. Since the 2004 grand opening, the historic neighborhood around the Central Library – now known as the Library District and listed on the National Register of Historic Places – has become a local and national model for planning and creating diverse, vibrant, resilient communities.

As part of the 20th anniversary of Central Library and the Making a Great City series, Downtown Council of Kansas City CEO Bill Dietrich discusses this transformation and talks about how the Library has been a catalyst for the revitalization of downtown.

Dietrich has led the Downtown Council since 2002, developing it into an effective urban management group that implements a wide range of revitalization strategies and, under the DTC’s umbrella, the development and management of multiple Community Improvement Districts. Following his talk is a panel discussion with stakeholders and community and civic leaders about downtown’s development over the past 24 years.

Watch
More in this series:
8
Mar
The Smart Math of Urban Development
Plaza Branch |
6:30pm
2
May
Unleashing the Power of Small Scale Development
Plaza Branch |
6:30pm
11
Sep
Neighborhoods First
Plaza Branch |
6:30pm
5
Mar
Kessler's Historic Parks and Boulevards: A Green F...
Plaza Branch |
6:30pm
lightbulb with city skyline

The Role of Central Library in Downtown’s Revitalization

Date & Location
-
Reception: 5:30 pm
Online
In Person