In 1907, J.C. Nichols started to buy land in southern Kansas City to build a retail center.The plans for “Nichols’ folly” were drawn up in 1922. The Spanish themed shopping center was the very first to cater to the automobile.As The Plaza grew, so did Nichols’ real estate company, both of which were passed down to his son Miller upon his death in 1950.On Sept. 12 1977, Brush Creek flooded, ruining much of The Plaza. Nichols’ persisted, and rebuilt.The shopping center was sold to Highwood Properties Inc., in 1998. There have since been several additions. In 2014, The Plaza celebrated their 85th annual PLaza Art Fair, and 85th annual Lighting ceremony.
