The North End becomes Columbus Park
We are currently producing a documentary that explores the evolution of Kansas City’s Little Italy neighborhood, originally known as the North End and now referred to as Columbus Park. The original boundaries of the neighborhood were approximately from Grand to Highland (E-W) and from 3rd St. to Admiral (N-S). Several key events transformed the North End into the Columbus Park we know today. Notable changes include the neighborhood’s renaming in April 1967, the significant area lost to the construction of the ASB and Paseo bridges, the 6th Street Trafficway, I-29, and I-35, which effectively isolated the neighborhood, turning it into a small island, as well as the development of Guinotte Manor.
We need your help! We are seeking photographs, videos, and personal stories to feature in our film. Additionally, we are seeking donations and sponsors. Proceeds from the documentary will be used to fund a memorial honoring Kansas City’s Italian immigrants, which will be placed in Columbus Park.
The Neighborhood Meet & Greet
When: Thursday, July 10, 2025
Where: American Sons of Columbus
2415 Independence Ave.
Kansas City, MO 64124
We are excited to come together to discuss the film and conduct initial interviews. Please bring your photos to the meeting for scanning, as only high-quality scans can be included in our project. We are especially interested in capturing the essence of the North End through images of its properties, businesses, and local events. We can’t wait to connect with all of you and create something remarkable together. If you have any questions, please reach out to us at 816-807-7048.
The Neighborhood
Questionnaire
Please click the link below to download the Neighborhood Questionnaire. If you cannot attend the meeting but would like to be included in the film, please fill out the questionnaire. You can submit it via email or by mail.
Please email the completed form to TheNeighborhood@KCItalians.com.
OR
Please mail the form to:
The Neighborhood
38005 E 177th Street
Pleasant Hill, MO 64080
Support The Neighborhood & Join La Famiglia! 🎬
Be part of our documentary famiglia! From shout-outs to producer credits, your support brings this story to life — Italian style. Pick your level, join the journey, and mangia bene!
Grazie
📣 Social Media Shout-out
Grazie Mille
🎬 Behind-the-Scenes (dietro le quinte) Updates
📣 Social Media Shout-out
Amici
📝 Your Name in the Credits – “Ringraziamenti Speciali”
🎬 Behind-the-Scenes Updates
📣 Social Media Shout-out
Paisan
🎥 Invite to Virtual Q&A with the Filmmakers
📝 Your Name in the Credits“Ringraziamenti Speciali”
🎬 Behind-the-Scenes Updates
📣 Social Media Shout-out
Cugino
🎟 Sneak Preview Test Screening Invite
🎥 Virtual Q&A with the Filmmakers
📝 Your Name in the Credits “Ringraziamenti Speciali”
🎬 Behind-the-Scenes Updates
📣 Social Media Shout-out
Cumpari
🎬 Associate Producer Credit
🎞 Sneak Preview Invite
🎥 Virtual Q&A with the Filmmakers
🎬 Behind-the-Scenes Updates
📣 Social Media Shout-out
La Famiglia
🎬 Co-Producer Credit
🎥 Live Virtual Set Experience
🎥 Q&A with the Filmmakers
🎞 Sneak Preview Invite
🎬 Behind-the-Scenes Updates
📣 Social Media Shout-out
Mamma Mia
🎬 Executive Producer Credit (on film + IMDb) 🎥 Live On-Set Experience 🎟 2 Tickets to the Film Premiere 🎞 Sneak Preview 🎥 Q&A with the Filmmakers 🎬 Behind-the-Scenes Updates 📣 Social Media Shout-out