Independence Boulevard [Kansas City, MO] : established in 1895, is one of the original boulevards prescribed Kansas City’s renowned Parks and Boulevards System, designed by George Kessler. Initially a premier address in Kansas City, the corridor witnessed a serious decline in condition and activity level following World War II.

The primary goals of this streetscape improvement effort were to visually upgrade the corridor, enhance the pedestrian environment, express historical significance, and improve the perception of night-time safety. New street trees, vehicular and pedestrian lighting, signage, and pedestrian amenities (brick and stone planters, seat walls, and architectural elements), have transformed the area and helped to re-establish an attractive and vibrant corridor and neighborhood center


Rick Howell and Brett Payton provided design, construction document, and construction administration services for this project while working with GEA.