By Joe Jarosz
Northeast News
August 19, 2015

KANSAS CITY, Missouri — Hookers and handguns. What was once a common thought for what one would find along Independence Avenue is no more. Now, guests of the Avenue are more likely to find handbags and homemade jewelry.

Last week, Bobbi Baker-Hughes, president and C.E.O. of the Northeast Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, spoke at Kansas City’s Central Library on efforts to re-brand Independence Avenue as Kansas City’s International Market Place. Around 150 people attended the discussion, that was preceded by a reception featuring samples from Northeast’s international restaurants, including IPhoTower, Elvira’s Cakes, Eleos Coffee, Safari Cafe and El Torito III.

Independence Avenue is home to a number of ethnic grocers, jewelry and apparel stores, and some of the most diverse selections of restaurants in Kansas City; but many outside of the Northeast have never heard of them, let alone visited.

“We want to change that,” Baker-Hughes said. “We would like for the entire region to know that the Northeast, and specifically Independence Avenue, is home to some great hidden gems.”

Following her speech, which included a tale of traveling the 3.2 miles of the Avenue with her granddaughter, people began to realize the Northeast is really a hidden gem. After a brief question and answer sessions with the crowd — which ranged in topics from the Kansas City Museum and Cliff Drive to the possibility of the Kansas City Streetcar’s future expansion — attendees both from the Northeast and other parts of the city voiced their appreciation for the library hosting an informative discussion. Rusty Scott, a resident of the Indian Mound Neighborhood, said he attended the event because he wants to stay up-to-date on events and knowledge in the Northeast.

“I learned more about businesses [on Independence Avenue] that I haven’t been in,” Scott said.

Carmen Ringhiser, a Kansas City resident who resides in the Midtown area, said she’s been to the Northeast area for special events, but attended the library’s discussion because she wanted to learn more about the area.

“Bobbi did a great job and definitely piqued my interest in the area,” Ringhiser said.

And whether you live in the Northeast or not, you know there’s a reputation the area holds, true or not. Scott said living in the Northeast, he knows that reputation isn’t the case anymore. Today, he sees more of a spirit in the area towards its rebranding.

“Since I live here I know what it’s like and I know that stigma is false,” Scott said.

Whenever she’s traveled to the Northeast, Ringhiser said she’s never had a negative experience with the area. And since she didn’t have to worry while in the area, the reputation never stuck with her.

“It’s definitely a hidden treasure in Kansas City and we can all work to change that reputation,” Ringhiser said, adding she’s planning to make more trips to the Historic Northeast to experience and discover its vast ethnic population, restaurants and shops.