Kansas City firefighters extinguished another blaze at Parade Park, the 13th since Thanksgiving, as demolition faces new delays

By Caroline Zimmerman
The Kansas City Star

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Fire Department extinguished another blaze in Kansas City’s historic Parade Park complex Thursday. It is at least the 13th fire in the housing cooperative since Thanksgiving.

Crews responded to the 2100 block of East 15th Terrace just after 11:30 a.m. They found “heavy fire” coming from a vacant two-story apartment building, Michael Hopkins, a battalion chief for the fire department, said in a news release.

| BETTER EVERY SHIFT: Gordon Graham shares words of wisdom

The blaze was brought under control in around 30 minutes, Hopkins said. No injuries were reported, and the department is investigating what might have caused the fire.

Following a nearly two-month delay, demolition of the co-op in Kansas City’s 18th and Vine Jazz District began on Feb. 3, following years of decay and neglect.

Demolition is delayed yet again, Hopkins said Thursday, as crews work to remove asbestos at the site.

Despite increased measures at the complex, including cameras, new fencing and additional security, fires continue to break out at Parade Park.

Parade Park is a historic Black-owned housing cooperative that first opened in the 1960s. The federal government took over management of the complex in 2023 amid deteriorating conditions.

Once the site is demolished, developers have planned a $300 million housing development to take its place. The new development will have 1,100 residences, including condos, townhomes and flats.

Developers expect the project to be complete in 2031.

A recall effort targets three Loveland Rural Fire Protection Board directors as debate intensifies over the fate of Fire Chief Tim Sendelbach

Howard County and neighboring firefighters trained on removing burning electric vehicles, monitoring hazards and adapting tactics for high-risk EV fire incidents

March 19, 2026 09:27 AM

 · 

Stay current on NIOSH program layoffs, the status of the National Fire Academy and changes to FEMA

March 20, 2026 03:38 PM

 · 

Time may be limited, but we can find ways to maintain the shared kitchen table time that builds a sense of family

March 19, 2026 11:42 AM

 · 

©2026 The Kansas City Star.
Visit kansascity.com.
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.