Troostwood Neighborhood has it’s roots grounded at the turn of the 20th century when the area east of what became The Plaza, was primarily only woods and farmland. As Kansas City’s population began to move away from downtown and the development of J. C. Nichols’ vision – The Plaza, and it’s surrounding neighborhoods started to take shape, the land was eventually divided up and purchased by developers for the construction of new homes in this quickly growing part of Kansas City.
With construction of the first home beginning in approximately 1914, lots sold quickly and new homes began sprouting up throughout the neighborhood. By 1925, most of the homes had been completed and Troostwood was officially established.
Poised, even from the beginning to become one of Kansas City’s most diverse neighborhoods, homes built here come in all shapes and sizes. The homes you’ll find here are representative of the Arts & Crafts movement so popular during the 1920′s and 1930′s. Ranging from Craftsman Bungalows to Four-Squares and Prairie-Style homes to Tudors, the homes were meant to satisfy all tastes and income levels with an equal mix of large and small houses in various shapes and sizes.
Through the years, Troost Avenue became a mecca of thriving business and was just one of Kansas City’s major retail and business corridors. During the 1970′s and 1980′s however, the area along Troost Avenue was hit hard with tough economic times, ravaged by blight and eventually gave into the stigma of Troost as both an economic and racial dividing line that still haunts it today.
During the 1990′s, Troostwood Neighborhood fought back, reinvented itself and began to transform not only our neighborhood, but the area along Troost just south of Brush Creek. Through economic investment and a commitment from local government, agencies and residents, we began to reshape Troostwood into the thriving and diverse community we have today.
Located near some of the greatest public and private assets in Kansas City, we continue to revitalize not only Troostwood Neighborhood, but to bring Troost Avenue back as a thriving and economically viable strip of commercial activity. To make Troost Avenue cool again and by bridging the dividing line it has represented for too long.