U.S. Federal Courthouse

The United States Courthouse & Post Office became and has been a fundamental part of civil rights activity and social justice in Kansas City, MO. It is notable as the site of the hearing of the Kansas City, Mo. V. Williams court case in which the Federal Court affirmed a lower court ruling for the desegregation of Swope Park Pool. Future Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall was part of a legal team that represented the plaintiffs.

The courthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on November 20, 2007.

A massive urban growth in Kansas City in the beginning of the 20th century led to reconstructing this facility to manage a rapid population growth. One of the last New Deal Programs projects, this former post office and custom house like many other buildings around the country created new jobs and a more effective public institution for their communities.

Constructed by architectural firm Wight & Wight, who also erected City Hall and the Jackson County Courthouse, transitioning their architecture style into modern from a classical revival. Wight & Wight showcased the movement like many others in the 1930’s. A nine-story building on Grand Ave encompassing both Art Modern and Neoclassic themes with large common spaces and defining architectural features. Within the building were four identical stylish windowless courtrooms that captured the essence of public works as its finest.

Formerly the courthouse of the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri. The U.S. Courthouse & Post Office under the New Deal Program enacted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, in 1939. An official historic place on the National Register, over the last 70 years, the building has witnessed important court cases and housed offices of prominent Kansas Citians including President Harry S. Truman. This historical site is a crucial landmark in Kansas City and the United States for being at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement and pushing this city towards racial equality.

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall made crucial rulings for progress for Kansas City and the nation as a judge in this courthouse. An advocate in his community and a leader in the Civil Rights Movement, Marshall made history at this courthouse by being involved in a key desegregation case of Swope Park Pool that got national attention and helped begin the Civil Rights Movement in 1952. Marshall also was the first African American U.S. Supreme Court member making progress for Kansas City, African Americans, and the country.

The significant desegregation case came months before the famous Topeka case of Brown v. Board. From the first filing of the case in 1951 to the final ruling in 1954 this appeal became one of the most important clauses in American history “separate but equal” and gave African Americans equal protection and rights. The court recognized that the plaintiffs were trying to continue separating people based on race and faulty testimony and the only real solution for solving this issue was through integration and desegregation in the community. This landmark decision was an influential and propelling event that started the Civil Rights Movements

The Courthouse is a staple asset to the region and the Federal government, the building serves multiple purposes including a newly completed rehabilitated affordable apartment building in downtown Kansas City. Today, this Courthouse is now home to 176 individual apartments. Courthouse Lofts are adding to the history of this landmark and re-envisioning the future of what it means to serve community. Making it as an official African American Heritage Trail site and an integral part of our nation’s history.

Bibliography

“Bringing History to Life.” Courthouse Lofts, 2018. https://courthouse-lofts.com/history/

“Desegregating the Swope Park Swimming Pool - February 25, 2016.” YouTube. YouTube, February 25, 2016. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tt6flqmmRiY.

“United States Courthouse and Post Office (Kansas City, Missouri).” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, February 17, 2019. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Courthouse_and_Post_Office_(Kansas_City,_Missouri)

Ziegler, Laura. “Swope Park Pool Desegregation Case Important To Kansas City Civil Rights Struggle.” KCUR. Accessed December 12, 2019. https://www.kcur.org/post/swope-park-pool-desegregation-case-important-kansas-city-civil-rights-struggle#stream/0.

Content Provided by

Garrett Anderson, student at the University of Missouri Kansas City as part of Dr. Sandra Enriquez’s Urban History Class.

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