McClain’s Square Roots of Success

As we recognize the success of the Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street Inc. (DLSMS), it becomes clear what can be accomplished when the entire community gets behind a project and a vision. As for “The Square” in downtown Independence, the McClains have had to work against the grain without the support of state and federal tax credit programs through historic district designations, overcoming negative economic and social ills, and lackluster business development and tourism programs in order to achieve their successes. On Sunday, The KC Star Magazine did a great cover story on the McClains highlighting the 16 businesses they started on The Square. Given the obstacles they’ve had to overcome, their accomplishments should be considered even greater than the award-winning DLSMS. Unfortunately, the McClains are less likely to be recognized from groups like the National Trust since The Square has never been officially designated as a national historic district. Attempts were started 10 years ago to expand the existing National Historic Landmark District to include The Square, but regrettably, those efforts have fizzled out. We could establish a local historic district to demonstrate our support of the national designation but no one seems to be talking about that either. In the mean time, we need to honor those who have chosen not to wait for the community to catch up with the rest of the world and who are actually doing things and solving problems on their own to revitalize our historic community. Congratulations and “Thank You” to the McClains for their positive contributions to and their continued support of the “Historic” Independence Square. And congratulations also to the County of Jackson for their successful completion of the restoration of the grounds and landscaping that frame one of the most important courthouses in the United States.