urban design

This summer, communities across the U.S. are suffering from extreme heat waves, and Kansas City is no exception. We’ll hear why cities are often hotter than other places — and ideas for cooling them down.

Kansas City was once home to a robust streetcar system. Then, the arrival of the car caused it, along with most other American cities, to plan cityscapes for automobiles. As Kansas City works on extending its solo streetcar line, one transit historian says it's time for cities like ours to give residents significantly more options.

The cooperative faces threats of foreclosure and the displacement of residents from the affordable housing complex.

Kansas City has a reputation for being car dependent and unsafe for pedestrians. The city might have a long way to go before it becomes a truly walkable city, but people are working toward that change.

Kansas City has more than 5,000 vacant lots. The Heartland Conservation Alliance wants to renovate a 20-acre urban forest in a neighborhood on the east side of the city — but not until they hear what neighbors want.

A Kansas City design firm is using artwork and nature to prioritize people instead of cars at intersections across the metro. The goal is to reduce pedestrian injuries and fatalities.

Along with our local murals and public art, these iconic signs give Kansas City its glowing personality.

Built in 1968 as an architect's residence, the Campbell Dome House recently won a designation on the Kansas Register of Historic Places. After sitting empty for years, this futuristic landmark is finally being restored by the descendants of the engineer who built it.

Una "pueblerina" de Midtown a la que se le ha privado de su medio de transporte. Una jubilada con ingresos fijos que se ve obligada a dejar su hogar de 17 años. Los inquilinos de Kansas City se enfrentan a una subida sustancial en sus rentas de alquiler, con graves repercusiones.

A Midtown "townie" priced off of her bus line. A retiree on fixed income forced out of her home of 17 years. Kansas City renters are facing substantial rent hikes, with serious repercussions.

A Midtown "townie" priced off of her bus line. A retiree on fixed income forced out of her home of 17 years. Kansas City renters are facing substantial rent hikes, with serious repercussions.

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.