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How Parking Lots Took Over Kansas City

By Steve Kraske,

Chris Young, Luke X. Martin

Published August 31, 2020 at 11:41 AM CDT

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A bird's-eye view of cars parked among numbered parking spots in a lot abutting a city street. — "Parking is the dominant physical feature of postwar North American cities," writes Daniel Herriges. "It dictates their form more than anything else does."

The city's physical layout means parking lots proliferate, which then affects property values, development patterns and so much more throughout the entire metro area.

Kansas City is thoroughly a car town — a place where owning a vehicle is pretty much necessary.

Daniel Herriges, senior editor of Strong Towns
Kevin Klinkenberg, executive director of Midtown KC Now

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Steve Kraske

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.

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Chris Young

Chris Young is an Assistant Producer for KCUR’s Up To Date. Contact him at chrisy@kcur.org.

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Luke X. Martin

As culture editor, I oversee KCUR’s coverage of race, culture, the arts, food and sports. I work with reporters to make sure our stories reflect the fullest view of the place we call home, so listeners and readers feel primed to explore the places, projects and people who make up a vibrant Kansas City. Email me at luke@kcur.org.

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