Southmoreland Apartments for Rent

Bounded by 39th Street on the north, Emanuel Cleaver II Boulevard on the south, Rockhill and Gillham Road on the east, and Main Street on the west, Southmoreland is a historic neighborhood located in midtown Kansas City.

The neighborhood was established in the late 19th century. Initially, it was inhabited by elite businessmen from Kansas City, but once a streetcar line was built connecting downtown Kansas City with the neighborhood, more and more working class families moved in. Several large mansions were then converted into apartments and duplexes post World War I.

Today, homes found in this historic neighborhood boast architectural styles of Colonial Revival mansions and Arts & Crafts style cottages. This Old House, a home improvement magazine and television series aired on the American public broadcast network, voted the Southmoreland neighborhood as one of the “Best Old House Neighborhoods 2009: Editor’s Pick.”

The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, off Warwick Boulevard, was built in 1994 by architect Gunnar Birkerts. The museum hosts a variety of permanent collections by several artists such as Louise Bourgeois, Christian Boltanski, Manuel Neri, Jasper Johns, Helen Frankenthaler, and Frank Stella. Temporary exhibits are also featured in this museum’s galleries.

Nelson Atkin’s Museum of Art, on the other hand, boasts collections of more than 33,500 works of art and several other amenities for those enamored with art and history. A 22-acre sculpture park right next to the museum contains more than 30 sculptures from the 20th and 21st centuries.

Parents of school-age children may take advantage of several schools in the nearby areas. Westport Middle School off of East 39th Street is a comprehensive middle school that is part of the Kansas City, Mo., School District. Westport High School, also off East 39th Street, is a comprehensive high school that is part of the same district.

Young adults envisioning a future in art may take advantage of the Kansas City Art Institute, a four-year college of fine arts and design off Warwick Boulevard.

Peace-seeking residents may enjoy Southmoreland Park across from the Nelson-Atkins Museum, offering playground, benches, and picnic tables. It is also home to the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival. This is a free annual event attracting thousands of visitors.

Southmoreland offers history, arts, entertainment, and ample opportunities for shopping, all in one place. The neighborhood is home to 3,294 residents, who make up 0.7 percent of Kansas City’s total population.