Thanks to a $5,000 Neighborhood Rising Fund (NRF) Grant, Independence Plaza Neighborhood Council (IPNC) is transforming an alleyway between Gladstone & Benton (6th–7th Streets) into something truly special: a vibrant urban quilt trail rooted in Kansas City history.

We’re calling it the IPNC KC Star Trail — a community-led art alleyway lined with quilt-inspired panels that celebrate both safety and creativity.

Why Quilts?

The project draws inspiration from the Kansas City Star Quilt Sampler, a collection of more than 60 quilt patterns published by the Kansas City Star between 1928 and 1961. These timeless designs will soon find new life on 15 colorful panels displayed on garages and fences throughout the alley.

• Local professional artists will craft panels

• Smaller panels will be created by IPNC residents — neighbors, families, and kids lending their creativity to brighten the block.

This project is built on a simple truth: you don’t need to be a professional artist to make something beautiful. Neighbors of all ages can be proud of the designs they help bring to life.

More Than Art: A Safer, Stronger Alley

The KC Star Trail isn’t just about art,  it’s about making our neighborhood safer and more welcoming. This alley was chosen because it sees a lot of foot traffic and has been the site of past safety concerns. By turning it into a place filled with color, history, and community pride, we’re inviting people to walk through, enjoy it, and feel safe doing so.

A Community Effort

The trail is made possible through:

• Grant funding for materials like panels, paint, and brushes.

• Volunteers from across IPNC, lending time and creativity.

• Neighbors offering their fences and garages as canvases.

What’s Next?

The KC Star Trail is scheduled to be unveiled October 11, 2025, just in time for the Northeast Kansas City Historical Society Homes Tour.

Why It Matters

This project is about more than murals — it’s about neighborhood pride, safety, and togetherness. It’s about giving residents, especially kids, a chance to create something lasting. And it’s about showing that when neighbors come together, we can turn even an overlooked alley into a destination of joy and history.

Walk the trail. See the quilts. Feel the community. The IPNC KC Star Trail is coming soon.