Bridge murals beautify hidden-gem historical site
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Essential KC history converges here. Photo: Travis Meier/Axios
A small historical site tucked away in Kansas City's West Bottoms just got a major splash of color thanks to local muralists and public funding.
Why it matters: With the West Bottoms poised for massive redevelopment, artists and community leaders are beautifying the area while making sure its past isn't painted over.
Context: The Darby Trotter Spirit Mall — at West 8th Street and Madison Avenue — celebrates the pioneering spirit behind the construction of the Hannibal Bridge in the 1860s, which opened eastern railroads to the western United States and transformed KC from a river town to a major city.
- The site was renamed in 2021 after H. Darby Trotter, who was the driving force behind the Riverfront Heritage Trail. The Spirit Mall serves as a trailhead.
Between the lines: The adjacent Freedom Mall and Memorial points to the role slavery played in KC's rapid economic expansion along with the area's proximity to the border of Kansas, which was a Free State.
The big picture: Actually, there are four big pictures, each one decorating an I-70 support column with a story from that tumultuous time. Organizers call it the Freedom Mall Mural Project.
- "Quindaro" by Femm 9 depicts the Underground Railroad path into free Kansas.
- "James Pendergast" by Rif Raf Giraffe pays homage to the West Bottoms titan known for his generosity (and for his more infamous brother, Tom).
- "Hell's Half Acre" by Phybr was named after the historic slum area that housed Hannible bridge workers at this location.
- "Freedom" by Emily Alvarez represents an enslaved person gaining their freedom.
What they're saying: "The stories of brave freedom seekers are rarely told in our parks and outdoor public spaces," Lisa Peña, Urban Hikes KC founder and Riverfront Heritage Trail board member, tells Axios. "This park is the exception and a hidden gem in plain sight."
The project started three years ago when Peña decided she wanted to cover up graffiti at one of her favorite local spots.
- Kansas City approved funding for the murals via its Public Improvements Advisory Committee.
Zoom in: Peña and Kyle Corbett, another trail board member, worked with SpraySeeMO co-founders Jason and Ami Harrington, who organize mural festivals and employ local artists.
Behind the scenes: "I actually don't like heights," Jason said about painting so high up, "but my family owned a commercial roofing company, so I grew up being on top of huge buildings."
Zoom out: With more than 30 acres poised for reuse and redevelopment nearby, including as many as 1,250 new housing units, Corbett says he wants art installations like this to set the tone of the neighborhood.
What's next: The Herringtons hope to host another international SpraySeeMO festival this year, but that depends in part on city funding.