The Native Sons and Daughters of Greater Kansas City Monument Project

Reprinted from News from The Native Sons and Daughters of Greater Kansas City, Summer 2017

Located at
Ilus Davis Park (North of the City Hall of Kansas City) | 10th and Oak Streets | Kansas City, Missouri 64106

Following four years of planning, design, and investigation of four potential sites, the construction of The Native Sons and Daughters of Greater Kansas City Monument will commence with a Groundbreaking Ceremony on July 20, 2017.

The Monument project is one of the most significant projects our organization has initiated in decades and serves as a tribute to all those who have placed their hands upon the heritage of our Greater Kansas City Metropolitan Area. The Monument is erected on the west side of the 5.2 acre Ilus Davis Park located north of City Hall, at 10th and Oak Streets, Kansas City, Missouri. It was dedicated to the citians of Greater Kansas City on April 19, 2018.

Click here to view videos and images from the NSDKC Ground Breaking Ceremony

The vision for such a Monument was presented to the NSDKC Board in the spring of 2013 by Mr. Carl DiCapo (2015 NSDKC President), and he designated 2010 NSDKC President Gary L. Hicks to create a conceptual design to reflect the heritage of our Greater Kansas City Metropolitan Area, and to represent the mission of The Native Sons and Daughters of Greater Kansas City. The valuable contribution NSDKC has made for 85 years toward the preservation of our region’s past is integral to the Monument’s design.

Community leaders across the region enthusiastically support this project. The Monument Project Committee, led by NSDKC Past President Carl DiCapo, includes members of NSDKC, representatives from J.E. Dunn Construction Co., and BNIM Architects, Inc.

The Monument’s design includes the following primary elements:

An imposing 16-ft high x five-pointed star-shape tower providing ten exposed faces around its perimeter represents the 10 regional counties which is the NSDKC focus area:
- Kansas counties (Leavenworth, Wyandotte, Johnson, Miami)
- Missouri counties (Platte, Clay, Cass, Ray, Jackson, Lafayette)
Each of the five points of the tower’s star-shaped design (5’-6” from ‘point-to-point’) represents the primary aspects of the NSDKC mission:
- Historical Preservation
- Education
- Advocacy
- Charity
- General welfare of the greater Kansas City region
The 16-ft high tower will be constructed of precast concrete units formed in a classic five-pointed star-shape. The tower height reflects the character strengths and virtues embraced by our Greater Kansas City community found within Wisdom and Knowledge; Courage, Humanity, Justice, Temperance, and Transcendence.
10 laser-etched aluminum panels, installed on each face of the five-pointed star tower, are themed with the primary attributes of our community’s heritage, including the early cultures and explorers, western expansion, transportation, agriculture, entrepreneurs, arts and education, science and research, sports, the distinct grandeur of our region, and a tribute to The Native Sons and Daughters of Greater Kansas City.
A landscaped plaza area with inscribed granite paving units feature themes such as recipients of NSDKC’s Outstanding Kansas Citian Award; NSDKC’s Past Presidents; NSDKC preservation projects; and its historical markers program. (note: granite paving units shall be available for sponsorship, similar to the many other ‘sponsored brick programs’ conducted in our region.

A wayside exhibit will be located adjoining the plaza area describing the features of the Monument, including a description of the Monument’s design elements, recognition of significant project funding donors, and project committee members and sponsors.

The Monument will set in a visible and prestigious location within Ilus Davis Park, just north of the heroic bronze statue of Mayor Davis located at 11th & Oak Streets, allowing for appropriate walkway access with handicap accessibility, lighting, landscaping, and plantings. (note: Mr. Davis was Mayor of Kansas City, Missouri from 1963-1972.)

The July 20th Groundbreaking Ceremony included public officials, community leaders, and members of the NSDKC organization turning the first shovels of dirt as the construction phase begins. Refreshments and music will be provided. Parking was available at the J.E. Dunn parking garage located east of the park at 1001 Locust Street. All NSDKC members are encouraged to participate in supporting this worthy and historic project as funding donors or as sponsors through the purchase of inscribed bricks. Contact www.NSDKC.org or 913-207-3310 with your interest to be a project funding donor or as an inscribed stone paver sponsor.