The Englewood Community

Fifteen minutes from downtown Kansas City, nestled among historic homes and tree lined streets dating back to the 1800’s is a four-block stretch of Winner Road and the heart of the Englewood Station Arts District in Independence, Missouri.

Anchored by the Englewood Theater, a cherished, iconic, art-deco movie house built in 1949, the Arts District is home to an artisan culture that permeates the retail establishments and celebrates the rich history and treasure of culture residing in the brick facades.

In its earliest years, Englewood was a robust, bustling retail and residential area. It was a street car station and attracted customers and residents because of its convenient location and attractive retail stories and amenities; the “bedroom community” for Kansas City’s bankers who commuted daily to their offices downtown.

Over the years, Englewood became a destination for movie goers with the opening of a magnificent, ornately adorned art-deco movie theater. The same theater became a popular performance venue, particularly for emerging stars. Garth Brooks started his now famous career as one of the theater’s early performers. Walt Disney was also one who started his career in the Englewood area.

After a period of decline, in 2009 Englewood took steps to reinvent itself, getting city-approved designated Arts District which has stimulated renewal for this important district in western Independence. In recent years, 10 new art businesses have moved to Englewood.

Significant financial investments have been recently made with the new Vivilore restaurant and its attractive indoor art and charming outdoor dining areas. A beautiful new event venue, “Swan Dive,” has just opened along with City financed new sidewalks and curbing. 

Located within an Opportunity Zone, (that provides substantial tax benefits for capital improvement to property in the designated zone), with an abundance of affordable and historic homes within walking distance, people have started to move in and invest.

Homes are being renovated and small businesses are popping up with their owners moving into urban lofts. The long-time Englewood Café remains a constant presence along with the Puppetry Arts Institute which has been nationally recognized. Two new coffee shops, along with several other businesses have opened in recent years. Monthly “third Friday” art walks, started several years ago, bring growing numbers of people to visit various galleries and restaurants.

Only minutes away from the historic Independence Square and treasured Truman Library, the re-birth of Englewood Station is poised to serve as an unprecedented economic engine and will fulfill an ever-larger vision for the Independence and metropolitan areas.