Local

Five questions on Kansas City’s past that shape today’s neighborhoods

Stories by Kansas City Star journalists, with AI summarization

The articles all explore how local history influences current Kansas City neighborhoods. They reveal connections between past developments and today's culture, spaces, and traditions.

One article tracks the beginnings of public transit, describing a time when mules and horses powered the early streetcars. Another examines iconic architecture as a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed church receives funds for preservation. A different article follows a barbecue restaurant as its founding family returns to revive traditional practices and menus. One more piece looks at the spread of African drum and dance communities, showing how a few passionate teachers built a network of classes and performances now enjoyed by diverse groups. These articles together show how transit systems, design, food, and the arts all draw from the past to shape Kansas City's neighborhoods now.

Frankie Schloegel, from left, his father, Frank Schloegel III, and Oscar Scott, grandson, at Woodyard Bar-B-Que, 3001 Merriam Lane, in Kansas City, Kansas, on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. The family-owned business is back under the family's management and is making some improvements to the restaurant. Scott will be the general manager. By Tammy Ljungblad

NO. 1: LONG-RUNNING KANSAS CITY BARBECUE RESTAURANT IS BACK ‘UNDER OLD MANAGEMENT’

Woodyard Bar-B-Que has gone downhill. | Published October 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by David Hudnall

A rendering of Starlight Theatre in Kansas City following renovations to add a new production light bridge and canopy over seats.

NO. 2: STARLIGHT THEATRE’S $40 MILLION MAKEOVER FORCED TO PAUSE FOR ONE YEAR

Theaters and drama go together. | Published October 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by Eric Adler, Dan Kelly

Selah Thompson (front) teaches how the skirt is used in Afro Cuban dance to mimic natural movements seen in nature at the Traditional Music Society dance class. By Susan Pfannmuller

NO. 3: INSIDE KC’S THRIVING AFRICAN DRUM AND DANCE COMMUNITY, YOUNGER THAN EVER

At the Traditional Music Society’s Saturday class, Kansas City percussionist Bird Fleming stood in front of a congregation of students from various races, ages, and genders. | Published October 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by J.M. Banks

Community Christian Church, designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright and opened in January 1942, has received a $160,000 matching grant to help with repairs due to water damage. By Eric Adler

NO. 4: FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT CHURCH NEAR KC’S COUNTRY CLUB PLAZA GETS $160K REPAIR GRANT

When famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed what is now the modern, white Community Christian Church just east of Kansas City’s County Club Plaza, he reportedly declared it to be fireproof, earthquake proof and vermin proof. | Published October 21, 2025 | Read Full Story by Eric Adler

An illustration demonstrates how powerhouse steam engines drove the underground cables that pulled early streetcars.

NO. 5: LONG BEFORE MAIN STREET EXTENSION, HE BUILT STREETCARS TO TAKE KC SOUTHWARD

The KC Streetcar’s Main Street extension opens Friday, and Kansas Citians are once again thinking about transit. | Published October 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by Michael Wells

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.