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Central Standard

Prairie School Style Architecture In Kansas City

Kansas City architect Clarence Shepard was deeply influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie School Style when he designed more than 600 homes and churches in the region a century ago.

Shepard was a native of New York, grew up in Clay Center, Kan., and came to work in Kansas City at the beginning of the 20th century for the Kendall Co. and the J.C. Nichols Co., among others.

On Wednesday's Central Standard, we sat down with Historian Bill Worley, who says that Shepard's Prairie School homes are known for their horizontal lines, symmetrical proportions, wide overhanging roofs and arts and crafts style. They influenced the designs of other architects in Kansas City.

Bill Worley will be talking about Clarence Shepard and his work on Sunday, July 27 at 2 p.m. at the Plaza Branch of the Kansas City Public Library.

Guest:

  • Bill Worley, Professor of History at Metropolitan Community College of Kansas City Metro
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People don't make cameos in news stories; the human story is the story, with characters affected by news events, not defined by them. As a columnist and podcaster, I want to acknowledge what it feels like to live through this time in Kansas City, one vantage point at a time. Together, these weekly vignettes form a collage of daily life in Kansas City as it changes in some ways, and stubbornly resists change in others. You can follow me on Twitter @GinaKCUR or email me at gina@kcur.org.
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