The Founding & Early Days of Prairie Village
Early photo of the Porter Homestead. Modern day Prairie Village Shopping Center. Courtesy the City of Prairie Village, KS.
Nestled in the heart of Johnson County, just a few miles from the thriving Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, Missouri, lies a community with a remarkable history – Prairie Village. Platted in 1941 by developer J. C. Nichols, this planned community's journey from farmland to a thriving city showcases the resilience, ingenuity, and spirit of its founding families. Join us as we take a step back in time to explore the early days, the founding, and the development of the beloved Prairie Village.
The Early Foundations
The Porter Home, early 1900s. Courtesy the City of Prairie Village, KS.
Prairie Village's history traces back to a time when the lush land was inhabited by Shawnee, Osage, and Kansa Indians. In 1858, Thomas Porter, a visionary settler, purchased a vast tract of farmland in what would later become the heart of Prairie Village. Porter's 160 acres were the seeds of a community that would flourish and leave an indelible mark on the region.
The Naming of Prairie Village
One-room schoolhouse in 1866. Demolished in 1912. Courtesy Prairie Elementary PTA.
As J. C. Nichols set his sights on transforming the Johnson County farmland into suburban housing, he pondered the community's name. The Prairie School, one of the oldest schools in Kansas with roots dating back to 1865, was built at what is now 63rd & Mission Road. One of the oldest schools in Kansas, this educational institution provided naming inspiration. Alternatively, the area could have been named after the prominent Porter family, whose influence significantly shaped the community. Ultimately, the name "Prairie Village" resonated, signifying the planned village on the prairie and commemorating the Prairie School.
Overcoming Challenges
The development of Prairie Village was not without its challenges. Taming the serpentine course of Brush Creek and rerouting Mission Road were ambitious undertakings. Additionally, some landowners were initially hesitant to part with their properties, leading to delays in the development process. However, J. C. Nichols and his team persevered, setting the stage for a community that would flourish for generations to come.
As the dust settled after World War II, the nation faced the challenge of reintegrating millions of soldiers back into civilian life. J. C. Nichols recognized the need for housing and communities tailored to the returning veterans. Prairie Village emerged as a shining example of this vision.
Nichols envisioned a community that would provide a tranquil and welcoming haven for the soldiers and their families. The vast farmlands of Johnson County provided the canvas for his dream, and he set to work transforming the landscape into a planned neighborhood that would cater to the needs of these heroes.
Full frontal and side view of new Prairie School, 6642 Mission Road. Courtesy: Missouri Valley Special Collections, Kansas City Public Library, Kansas City, MO
With the war's conclusion, construction resumed in 1946, with the first ten houses of Prairie Village being built on an 80-acre tract west of Mission Road, purchased from the Thompson A. Lewis family. Each home represented a small piece of the larger puzzle, a testament to Nichols' commitment to his vision.
Regrettably, Nichols employed restrictive covenants to control land use in his developed neighborhoods, including the exclusion of ethnic minorities. However, the 1948 Supreme Court decision in Shelley v. Kraemer made such covenants unenforceable. Despite the ruling, references to these covenants persisted in deed documents for decades, forever splitting the demographics of Kansas City.
Prairie Village Shopping Center: The Heart of the Community
Courtesy: Missouri Valley Special Collections, Kansas City Public Library, Kansas City, MO
In 1947, the Prairie Village Shopping Center opened its doors, becoming Johnson County's first planned shopping center. Inspired by the success of the Country Club Plaza, the center became a vibrant hub of commerce and social activity, drawing residents from near and far. Anchored by the Watkins Drug Store, the center quickly expanded to house a diverse array of shops, restaurants, and services.
Community events, such as street dances and carnivals, were organized to foster a strong sense of community spirit. Residents gathered at the shopping center to celebrate holidays, support local businesses, and strengthen the bonds that made Prairie Village unique. Over the years, the Prairie Village Shopping Center evolved and adapted, remaining a cherished gathering place for residents of all ages to this day.
Corinth Square: Expanding Horizons
As Prairie Village continued to flourish, a demand arose for additional shopping and dining options. In response, the Corinth Square Shopping Center was developed in 1955. Named after Corinth Hills, one of the area's expanding neighborhoods, the new center mirrored the charm and appeal of its predecessor.
Corinth Square embraced a design that echoed the Plaza-style architecture, showcasing open-air plazas, fountains, and beautifully landscaped walkways. The center's inception marked a significant milestone in Prairie Village's growth, allowing the community to cater to the needs of a burgeoning population while maintaining its character and appeal. Today, Corinth Square remains an energetic hub of shopping, dining, and entertainment for local residents.
Recognition, Incorporation, and Growth
An aerial view of the curving streets and “superblocks” of the master-planned, FHA-funded community of Prairie Village, Kansas. Courtesy Johnson County Museum.
Prairie Village's thoughtful planning and relentless growth earned it the prestigious title of "the best planned community in America" by the National Association of Home Builders in 1949. This recognition solidified Prairie Village's reputation as a model community for others to emulate. In 1951, Prairie Village achieved incorporation as a third-class city, with the dynamic Ralph A. Brenizer serving as its first mayor.
Prairie Village's success story continued with expansions like Corinth Hills, a testament to its vibrant growth. Achieving the status of a city of the first class in 1957, Prairie Village strengthened its position as one of Johnson County's prominent cities. Annexations further extended the city's boundaries, welcoming new residents and fostering a sense of community unity.
Today, Prairie Village stands as a living legacy for the pioneering families who embraced the concept of a planned community. Its rich history and vibrant present intertwine, preserving its heritage while embracing new opportunities for growth and progress.
The Prairie Village Shopping Center and Corinth Square remain not only as symbols of the community's success but also as cherished destinations that evoke cherished memories for residents. As we celebrate the history of Prairie Village, we look forward to the next chapter in its ever-evolving story, a story of a community that continues to thrive and inspire.
Today’s post is proudly sponsored by The Shops of Prairie Village and Corinth Square. Please support your local community by patronizing your neighborhood shopping centers!
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