KCATA's 27th and Prospect Building Demolition Event

Target Audience: The target audience was the residents, business owners and organization leaders near the 27th and Prospect intersection and along the Prospect corridor, as well as RideKC passengers of routes 71 and 27 serving that area.

Strategy Objective:Demolishing the building was another way KCATA could drive economic and community development in the region, improve safety and improve the appearance of this intersection and the surrounding neighborhood. The intersection had seen significant economic development in recent years, with the addition of the $74 million Leon Mercer Jordan East Patrol Campus and $3.6 million Morningstar Missionary Baptist Church Youth and Family Life Center. Demolishing the vacant building would help spur further development in that area. Having a ceremonial building demolition event provided an opportunity for the area's residents and bus riders along the Prospect corridor to hear from local politicians and community leaders about how the building's demolition would positively affect the area.

Situation Challenge: More than 20 years ago, HBO created a documentary that focused on substance abuse, gun violence and other illegal activity in the neighborhoods around 27th and Prospect. Since that time, a vacant 4,200-square-foot building remained a thorn in the community's side because of the crime it attracted. Not only was the building an eyesore for the neighborhood, but it also was a safety hazard.

Results Impact: The demolition of the building, which occurred over the following weeks, was livestreamed on RideKC.org to allow the public to follow along with the progress. More than 100 people attended the ceremonial building demolition event. With a performance from the youth choir of Morningstar Missionary Baptist Church, the event represented a community celebration. The hymns served as a closing of the ceremony and a promise of a brighter future on 27th and Prospect. The demolition garnered local media attention and created a social media buzz, helping raise awareness about the history of the area and the continued efforts to make improvements for neighborhoods, bus riders and organizations along the Prospect corridor.

Why Submit: This entry was submitted and should win an AdWheel Award because of the overwhelmingly positive impact it had on the community. The immediate positive effects of demolishing the vacant building were clear, and the continued impact will be seen for years to come as the 27th and Prospect area makes strides toward economic development, safety and security and increased ridership.