dangerous buildings

Kansas City Public Schools wants to "level the playing field" for its students by investing hundreds of millions to improve facilities and learning environments. Voters have not passed a bond to support building deferred maintenance and improvements since 1967.

The Missouri Building Codes Act, introduced by Rep. David Casteel, would establish baseline standards for building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, property maintenance and other activities associated with construction or renovation.

Although the Midwest isn't exactly known for its medieval history, the Kansas City region has still acquired some sprawling, fortress-inspired buildings over the last 150 years. Some are well maintained and still used as homes, while others are crumbling but fascinating relics.

The Kansas City Land Bank is supposed to revitalize neighborhoods. But a Beacon investigation found that the Land Bank has potential conflicts of interest between board members and buyers, and fails to hold buyers accountable to its own requirements. The result: Properties sit vacant for years.

Four buildings in the city's historic Jazz District have fallen into ruin as the city courts private investors.

In northeast Kansas City, the Lykins Neighborhood Association has used Missouri’s Abandoned Housing Act to reclaim dilapidated homes and turn them over for renovation. The results have been promising.