12th Street and Paseo, Kansas City, MO

Sunken flower gardens, an old Spanish cannon, the Central Methodist South Church (in background) and two fine apartment buildings are pictured on the triple post card panorama showing the Paseo at the turn of the century. The Circle apartment (left center), built in 1905 and the New York (with tall columns), 1906, are still standing. The apartments are typical of those built in Kansas City at this time with large open porches. John W. McKecknie, well-known Kansas City architect of the period, in an interview May 16, 1900, discussing Kansas City apartments, commented: The porches of necessity are a dominating feature of the modern flat in this climate. Recently the Paseo roadway between 11th and 13th was relocated so that the sharp turn at the vine-covered retaining wall at 12th could be eliminated.New sidewalks, curbs, traffic lights and traffic islands have been installed. The cannon was moved 50 feet east and the old sunken gardens were leveled and regraded for new landscaping. Kansas City Times, January 11, 1975.