During the early years of the 20th century, Jesse Clyde Nichols (known as J.C.) began developing land surrounding the intersection of 51st Street and Brookside Boulevard in southwest Kansas City. He wanted Brookside to become a thriving business and residential district. Nichols had a particular vision for his subdivision which included winding lanes, lush landscaping and a European flair inspired by his travels.
The Plaza:
To entice upscale retailers and residents to locate to Brookside, Nichols realized he needed a unique feature that would distinguish his area from any other neighborhood or commercial district in the nation. At the time, fountains and ornate water features were popular at world's fairs and parks in places like Buffalo, St. Louis and Chicago, so Nichols was inspired by these features and began incorporating many types of fountains and water features into the neighborhoods, business districts and roadways of the Brookside area.
Beginning with the Country Club Plaza, Nichols introduced the nation to the concept of the suburban shopping center. The Plaza was built from 1922-1923 and contained fountains designed by a French architectural sculptor, Raoul Verlet, who had already gained popularity for his work at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair and the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis, and whose work could also be enjoyed in New Orleans' City Park and Boston's Back Bay Fens.
Kansas City's Fountain Fame Grows
When Nichols' idea for the Country Club Plaza was so successful, he began installing fountains in other neighborhoods and business districts that he developed in Kansas City. In fact, he continued to use fountains at every opportunity because he believed they "brought good luck" and would entice new businesses and residents to his many endeavors.
Today, Kansas City is proud to be known as the "City of Fountains". According to the Guinness Book of World Records, Kansas City has more fountains (at least 48) than any other city in the world, excluding Rome.
