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The Kansas City Chapter of UNICO National, Crossroads Media Group, and Kansas City Italians are currently producing a feature-length documentary exploring the evolution of Kansas City’s Little Italy neighborhood, originally known as the North End and now known as Columbus Park.

The neighborhood’s original boundaries were much larger than they are now, extending from Grand Boulevard to Woodland Avenue (east-west) and from the Missouri River to 8th Street (north-south). Several key events transformed the North End into the Columbus Park we know today. Notable changes include the neighborhood’s renaming in April 1967 and the significant area lost to the construction of the ASB and Paseo bridges, along with the 6th Street Trafficway, I-29, and I-35, as well as the development of Guinotte Manor. These developments effectively isolated the neighborhood, turning it into a small island.

We aim to honor the rich history of the Italian immigrants in Kansas City, Missouri, by sharing their inspiring stories of perseverance and community. Discover the experiences of hardworking and dedicated individuals who dreamt of prosperity and significantly impacted their surroundings.

How has the neighborhood evolved over the years? What was it like growing up in such a vibrant Italian American community?

Proceeds from the documentary will help fund a monument in Columbus Park to honor Kansas City’s prominent Italian immigrants.