Swope Health announces a new edition of its podcast, One on One with Swope Health, featuring Marquita Taylor, president of the Santa Fe Area Council.
Eric Wesson, founder and publisher of The Next Page KC, a newspaper focused on the Black community, hosts the show’s conversations with Kansas Citians about issues of importance to the community’s health and wellbeing.
In this conversation, Eric and Marquita discuss the Santa Fe neighborhood, which is roughly bounded by 27th Street on the north, Linwood Boulevard on the south, Prospect Avenue on the west and Indiana Avenue on the east. The neighborhood covers approximately 160 acres and is listed on the Department of the Interior’s National Register of Historic Places.
The neighborhood, as Marquita relates, is the site of the homes of Buck O’Neil, the Rev. Wallace Hartsfield, and Satchel Paige.
The neighborhood today is focused on rebuilding and renovating its historic mansions, led by the Santa Fe Area Council. Meetings regularly draw 50 people or more, she said, always looking for what’s next for the neighborhood. Although the neighborhood had its share of the rising crime – 10 murders in 2022 – Marquita cites progress in 2023: funds from the city and Community Capital Fund for home repairs and renovations, tax abatements, city-supported cleanups, and a new community art exhibit.
“Neighbors are the reason we’ve been so successful,” Marquita said.
Marquita also noted the plans for the Satchel Paige home, 2626 E. 28th St., to be converted into a museum, with event space and kitchen, community space, and small business offices. The restoration and redevelopment of the family home is the subject of a $7 million campaign, just getting underway.
Marquita said the museum can help everyone treasure and understand the importance of Satchel Paige, who she called “the best pitcher of all times.”
The neighborhood is also a focal point for the KC 360 initiative, a crime reduction and community revitalization program of KC Common Good. Marquita is optimistic about the work, which has brought support to the neighborhood from associations including the Urban Rangers, Aim4Peace and Rockhurst Uncornered.
As evidence of the neighborhood’s progress, Marquita issued an open invitation:
5-7 pm Saturday, Aug. 12,
at 2801 Benton Blvd.,
for the Santa Fe neighborhood’s first art opening.
The free event features music, food trucks, and activities for kids.
“Come and be a part of what’s happening,” she said. “Let’s love on Santa Fe.”
