From Boom to Bust: Kansas City Malls Then and Now

In 1988, the Kansas City area was a mall lover's haven. From Independence Center and Blue Ridge Mall in Independence to Antioch Center in the Northland and Metcalf North and South Shopping Centers and Oak Park Mall in Overland Park, there was no shortage of malls. Additionally, there was talk of building even more malls, like the Great Mall of the Great Plains in Olathe, that would open in 1997. Today, that's all changed.

Only three malls remain in the Kansas City area. Oak Park Mall in Overland Park, Kansas, is the largest mall in the region. In 1982, it served as the backdrop for Charles Kuralt's study of shopping malls and their impact on communities. The Sunday I popped in there a couple of winters ago, it was anything but dead.

Speaking of dead malls, the second, Independence Mall in Independence, is still kicking despite facing the same type of "dangerous" perception that did in Bannister Mall in its last several years in existence. I find it hard to believe Independence Mall could disappear, but it's possible.

Finally, there is Legends Outlets in Kansas City, Kansas. It's more of an outlet mall hybrid entertainment center with over 100 stores and a dining destination that features year-round events and a family-friendly atmosphere.

That's it; Kansas City has been primarily de-malled. With at least ten malls in almost every part of Kansas City in 1988, it's easy to see that not all would survive. Yet, many of them were well-loved at one time, including Bannister Mall at Bannister Road, Hillcrest Road and I-435. It was one of the area's most prominent. Keep scrolling to check out the sad end of Bannister Mall.

Check out this commercial from Bannister Mall's Heyday.

Here's a commercial for Bannister Mall in 1990. They proclaimed themselves as "The Most Popular Mall in Kansas City History.

In 1997, Nickelodeon brought the RugRats to Kid Scene in Bannister Mall. Keep scrolling to check out the sad last days of Bannister Mall.