The Neighborhood
The West Bottoms: where Kansas City began
A historic industrial district at the meeting of the Kansas and Missouri rivers, minutes from Downtown and growing fast.
A district with real history
The West Bottoms was Kansas City's original commercial engine. Railroads arrived in the 1860s, and the stockyards, packing houses and warehouses that followed built the city. Many of those brick and timber buildings still stand, with freight elevators, loading docks and heavy floors built for real work.
A creative, working neighborhood today
Today the district is home to artists and makers, production companies, event venues, vintage and antique markets, live-music spots and restaurants. It draws big weekend crowds and seasonal visitors, and it keeps the industrial character that newer districts can't recreate.
Momentum
A multi-phase redevelopment is underway across the neighborhood, adding apartments, retail, office and public space while preserving historic buildings. For businesses, that means more foot traffic and amenities each year, and a chance to get established early.
Getting here
The West Bottoms sits just off I-670 and the Downtown Loop, with quick access to I-35 and I-70. Downtown, the River Market and the Crossroads are about five minutes away.
