I have no idea why Holy Name Catholic Church is being torn down, except that shortsighted leaders see more value in the cut stone than in the stunning work of Gothic Revival structure they're destroying.
Nominated for the National Register of Historic Places, it is now being torn down, one stone at a time, until what you see here is all that is left of the church.
You would think this is in some completely bombed out neighborhood, but in reality the neighboring blocks are relatively stable, with beautiful rehabs and new, seemingly expensive houses.
I guess they thought that an historic church was a detriment to their property values? More so than a vacant, weed-choked lot?
As I always say, just because you lack the imagination to see this church restored to its former glory instead of demolished, doesn't mean you should get in the way of someone, maybe not even born yet, who has the vision and drive to find a new use for the church.
Read about the history behind the church in the 1960's
here.
The images remind me of pictures of post-war Germany after it had been bombed at the end of World War II.
See it from the air
here, before most of the church was demolished.
In just a few short months, the entire church will be gone, and its striking presence will be gone as well.
As you can see, the stone is being carefully stacked and hauled off to another location. How stupid and short-sighted...
I was completely stunned at the incredible new performing arts center just south of downtown Kansas City. I was in particularly impressed at the ingenious and innovative design of the building, which dominates the skyline. Daring architecture has always been present in American cities, and it's nice to see they chose not to look to the past but towards the future.
I never realized before, but there are four sculptures at the top of the monument, each facing a different direction. They're all identical, more or less, despite my thinking that they weren't from the ground.
I don't know why I like this building, but its combination of classical elements and simple lines are appealing to me.
I think it was just an office building or doctor's office.
The Kansas City Power and Light Building was the tallest skysscraper in Missouri for decades, only surpassed by a modernist skyscraper in St. Louis.
Its Art-Deco detailing once features a dramatic light show when the building first opened.
Hoit, Price and Barnes designed this remarkable building, as well as other buildings around the city.
Again, how did St. Louis not get around to building so many tall buildings during this era, even though it was a larger city?
We think this gas station was still occupied but turned into a mechanic's shop.
As you can see there are beautiful houses surrounding Holy Name Catholic Church.
I'm sure while the church still stood it was an amazing street to walk down.
