In The Loop: Feb 27, 2022
This Wednesday marks the date in 1930 that the new General Hospital No. 2, a state-of-the-art facility built to serve the African-American community, opened its doors at 22nd and Kenwood—today’s Hospital Hill.
The municipal Old City Hospital, which had served only white patients before a new General Hospital No. 1 was built to replace it, was “handed down” in 1908 for use by the black community, thanks in large part to the lobbying of Dr. Thomas C. Unthank. Eventually, the Old City Hospital was renamed General Hospital No. 2, and by 1914 became the first public hospital in the country to be completely staffed and operated by African-Americans. Eight years later, the hospital earned the American Medical Association’s highest accreditation.
Over time, the aging General Hospital No. 2 (Old City Hospital) succumbed to poor maintenance and lack of updates, due in part to Pendergast influence over hospital management. After a fire in 1927 damaged the building and threatened the lives of patients, the city approved funding for a new General Hospital No. 2—a move supported by Tom Pendergast, who was looking to score more African-American votes.
The new seven-story facility was considered top-notch in comparison to all other hospitals, black or white. However, after the fall of the Pendergast Machine in 1939, General Hospital No. 2 lost some political clout, and it also became clear that municipal finances under Pendergast’s city manager, Henry McElroy, included an unreported deficit of more than $19 million—and that was only scratching the surface.
Through the turbulence of the following years, General Hospital No. 2 struggled with external and internal challenges. As desegregation was becoming the norm in the late 1950s, General Hospitals No. 1 and 2 were consolidated in 1957, thus ending the era of city-owned, race-specific hospitals in our town.
A water main burst near 10th and Walnut on Thursday, causing damage to Spokes Cafe/Cyclery and other nearby businesses. The broken pipe dates to 1895.
A regional, bi-state transit plan introduced this past week could link Independence, KCMO, and KCK with electric buses alongside more user-friendly pedestrian and personal mobility options. If it comes to fruition, the 24-mile-long, zero-emissions transit corridor would be funded by a federal grant. KCUR 89.3 FM has more:
On a similar topic, The 11th and 12th Complete Streets Connections study is being developed by KCMO and the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority. The goal of the study is to identify potential improvements to reliability and efficiency for bicycle and bus mobility along the 11th and 12th Street corridors between Wyandotte Street and Troost Avenue. A public open house to unveil the recommended plan will be held this Wednesday, March 2, from 4 pm to 6 pm at the East Village Transit Center located at 700 E. 12th St. On-street parking is available, as well as at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church located at 1307 Holmes St. See details here:
Over at 22nd and Brooklyn, the former site of Municipal Stadium, there are plans to spruce up the grounds where the Beatles performed, Lou Gehrig played his last game, Pelé demonstrated his soccer mastery—and Jackie Robinson played his first professional game as a Kansas City Monarch in the Negro League. The renovation plan? Baseball and butterflies. Vahe Gregorian of the Kansas City Star has the scoop:
Walt Disney Imagineering has partnered with jazz museums in New Orleans, Kansas City, and New York to recreate the Epcot exhibit, “The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure.” The interactive exhibit is free at the American Jazz Museum in the 18th & Vine District through April 24. Here’s more from the official Disney website:
LINK: ‘The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure’ Comes to Museums Across the Country
The Folly Theater is about to embark on its second phase of renovations, which includes replacing the 1940s-era seats with larger, more comfortable models. The Kansas City Business Journal published this report:
Artful City: One weekly selection with a Downtown connection
Quick Clip: The city in motion—just a few seconds at a time
Downtown Lens: A single image depicting the urban aesthetic
Give a friendly Downtown-Kansas City welcome to….
Conventioneers attending the Precast Show at Bartle Hall March 3-5
Dinosaur enthusiasts at Jurassic Quest March 4-6 at Hale Arena
Music lovers at the 2nd Annual KC Blues Festival this Friday at the Music Hall
Fans of singer/songwriter Allison Moorer, performing Saturday night at the Folly Theater
Concertgoers attending the Saturday performance of American nu metal band Korn at T-Mobile Center
Classical music lovers attending the Kansas City Symphony’s performance of Elgar's First, plus Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 24 this coming weekend at the Kauffman Center
Fans attending the MIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships this Wednesday through Sunday at Municipal Arena
Got a tip about Downtown KC?
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Thanks for reading!
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Until next week—enjoy the city!
