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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 help you embrace what makes Kansas City fun and vibrant, whether it’s a championship sports franchise or a little-known wonder. I work with reporters to ensure KCUR stories on art, culture, and race fully reflect our diverse home so readers and listeners can take full advantage of what the metro has to offer. Email me at luke@kcur.org.

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