RETAINING DIVERSITY Once a dilapidated district of abandoned warehouses, in recent years the Kansas City, Missouri, Crossroads district has been begun to be rehabilitated by local artists. Cities have a history of being reinvented in this way. Artists move in to run-down areas of the city and reinvigorate them with the livelihood of art culture. Due to its proximity to the city center, the Crossroads district is gaining popularity as a residential district. Loft rates are increasing, causing artists to move into the West Bottoms district, leaving the crossroads in a downward spiral of gentrification. The new Kauffman Center is a performance hall located just north of the given building. It is a catalyst for music culture in Kansas City. Drawing on the contextual relation of the two buildings, the focus of the restoration will be to create a place where local musicians can thrive, without being forced from the area. This will help the Crossroads to retain its identity as the arts district. Denotes location of Pabst Warehoue rennovation project
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