Chapter VII

POSTSCRIPT--AFTER 1935

In recent years new purpose and vitality have come to the Memorial's Museum and Memory Hall. The exterior setting has changed markedly but the Liberty Memorial remains the same, constant in its vigil.

Page: 137, 138, 139, 140, 141.

Figure: 26, 27.

Postscript update (2003).

Figure 26. Liberty Memorial, 1987.
View from the northeast (photograph by Sj.S. Aber).
Click on the small image to see a larger version.

Figure 27. H. Van Buren Magonigle, architect of the Liberty Memorial,
Kansas City, Missouri. (Kansas City Star, 7 Nov. 1926).
Click on the small image to see a larger version.

Liberty Memorial (left) and Crown Center
complex (right) as seen from the south.
Kite aerial photograph, 10/98, © J.S. Aber.

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Postscript Update 2003

Since the original postscript was published in this thesis (1988), much has happened to the Liberty Memorial and its surroundings in downtown Kansas City, Missouri. Major renovations were undertaken, beginning in the late 1990s to repair the deck between the tower and buildings. The pavement was removed to allow replacement of the support columns beneath the tower and buildings, and extensive work was done to reinforce the structures. Underground space is under development for a museum, and a new sunken entrance has been created. The Liberty Memorial was rededicated and reopenned to the public in connection with Memorial Day, May, 2002. Most of the above-ground rebuilding and landscaping are completed, and work continues underground. The following pictures illustrate stages in the reconstruction of the Liberty Memorial.

During reconstruction

Overview of Liberty Memorial and entrance mall with Crown Center, Union Station, and downtown Kansas City in the background. Construction activity is evident around the Liberty Memorial, which was closed to the public. Kite aerial photograph, date 4/01, © J.S. Aber.
Closeup view of the Liberty Memorial showing exposed structure beneath the tower and buildings. Kite aerial photograph, date 4/01, © J.S. Aber.
Final phase of preparation for rededication of the Liberty Memorial. The new sunken entrance can be seen below the tower on the south side of the structure. Ground photograph, date 7 May, 2002, © R.K. Aber.
Overview of the new sunken entrance and reflecting pool under construction on the south side of the Liberty Memorial. Ground photograph, date 7 May, 2002, © R.K. Aber.

After reconstruction

Portrait view of the Liberty Memorial with downtown Kansas City skyline in background. Uniformly sunlit scene. Blimp aerial photograph, date 6/03, © J.S. Aber.

Landscape view of the Liberty Memorial with downtown Kansas City skyline in background. Memorial is highlighted in sun, whereas the background is shadowed by clouds. Blimp aerial photograph, date 6/03, © J.S. Aber.

Closeup view of the Liberty Memorial complex with the Union Station in the background. Foreground is sunlit, whereas background is partly shadowed by clouds. Blimp aerial photograph, date 6/03, © J.S. Aber.
Near-vertical shot above the Liberty Memorial with a dramatic view down the side of the tower. Blimp aerial photograph, date 6/03, © J.S. Aber.

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© Sj.S. Aber (1988, 2003); all rights reserved.