Black history in the trailblazing Sheraton Estates subdivision
Before 1957, there weren’t many newly built subdivisions available to prospective Black homeowners in Kansas City, but the establishment of Sheraton Estates filled that gap. The neighborhood has been home to numerous influential figures, including Bruce R. Watkins, Kansas City’s first Black councilman and a prominent social justice activist. Today, the community is surrounded by a places dedicated to Watkins, and it’s also filled with updated midcentury dwellings, memorializing and maintaining the neighborhood’s trailblazing past. “There’s an interesting history here, and the houses show that,” says Sherri Oaks, a real estate agent with ReeceNichols. “The outsides haven’t changed much, so most of them have unique midcentury details. But a lot of them have renovated kitchens and bathrooms, and that combination is a big draw.”
Ranch-style and split-level homes on small lots fetch average prices
The winding, hilly terrain of Sheraton Estates is brimming with sprawling ranch-style houses featuring asymmetrical roofs, massive picture windows and stone facades. There are also vinyl split-levels with two-car garages, shuttered windows and side-gabled roofs. Houses here typically have three to four bedrooms and sit on quarter-to-half-acre lots. They also cost anywhere between $250,000 and $400,000, a range similar to a Kansas City home’s average $250,000 selling price.
You'll find lots of split level homes like this in Sheraton Estates.
The ranch style homes in Sheraton Estates are generously sized.
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Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center offers a glimpse of history
About 1 mile from Sheraton Estates is the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center, and since 1989, it has provided a wealth of information on how African Americans have contributed to the development of Kansas City. Explore the permanent exhibit detailing Watkins's life, view paintings of notable KC jazz musicians made by local artists, or learn about the city’s involvement in the Civil War.
Nearby parks offer trails, wildlife and outdoor fun
In addition to the cultural center, the neighborhood is between two of the city’s most important green spaces. To the north, 285-acre Brush Creek Greenway Park offers a scenic paved path passing a whimsical waterfall, flowering dogwood trees and the Spirit of Freedom Fountain, a 5,000-pound metal sculpture inspired by Watkins and other Kansas Citians who promoted racial unity. About 2 miles south of Sheraton Estates is 1,805-acre Swope Park, the largest recreational hub in the city. Immerse yourself in the lives of over 1,700 animals at the Kansas City Zoo, learn about Missouri wildlife at the Lakeside Nature Center, or take your dog to the off-leash park.
For adventure's Lewis Heights locals go to Swop Park.
If you love golf, play the 18-hole public course at Swope Park in Kansas City, MO.
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Early College Academy at African-Centered Southeast High School
Children in Sheraton Estates can attend Benjamin Banneker Elementary, where students on the honor roll are celebrated with a pizza party at the end of every semester. Then, students can go to Central Middle. The active art and music department here displays student artwork at the Spring Showcase. Lastly, they can attend Southeast High, an African-Centered Preparatory Academy. The school teaches the views of traditional African society to promote self-esteem and responsible citizenship. Students can also enroll in the school’s Early College Academy to earn up to 60 hours of college credit while receiving a high school diploma.
The football team at Southeast is amazing and keep their grades high.
Benjamin Banneker Elementary elementary is a public pre-K and elementary school.
Central Middle School is located in the neighborhood of Blenheim Square-Research Hospital
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Blue Parkway leads to retail and restaurant options
Sheraton Estates' location near Blue Parkway means residents are never far from plenty of shopping and eating options. For instance, stop by L.C.’s for classic Kansas City barbecue. The smoky pork burnt ends smothered in the signature sauce with a side of crispy French fries is a meal especially loved by locals. A Sun Fresh grocery store is also located on the thoroughfare if you would rather make a meal at home. Hop on U.S. Route 56, and a 4-mile drive will lead you to Kansas City’s downtown area. Devour food from the restaurants in Westport, catch a Chiefs game at the bars in the Power & Light district, or shop the 15 blocks of commercial options at the Country Club Plaza.
The Chop Beef on a Bun is a classic offering at Big T's Bar-B-Q.
The Shops on Blue Parkway offer a few restaurants and shopping options to Sheraton Estates.
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Honoring social significance in Sheraton Estates
With a reputation rooted in significant social history, while offering many nearby modern amenities, Sheraton Estates is a neighborhood determined to honor and preserve its past.
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Steve Hillyer,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Swope Park
Bike Trails
Golf
Soccer
Blue Banks Park
Bike Trails
Picnic Area
Trails
Oak Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Picnic Area
Blue Hills Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Bike Trails
Big Blue Battlefield Park
Trails
Hiking
Cleveland Park
Baseball/Softball
Playground
Parking Lot
Vineyard Park
Basketball
Bike Trails
Picnic Area
Transit
Airport
Kansas City International
39 min drive
Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
227
Median Year Built
1963
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,406
Significantly below the national average
1,924
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
9,583
Distribution of Home Values
Source: Public Records
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Steve Hillyer,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
394
Median Age
48
Population Density
5 ppl/acre
Population under 18
24.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
28.4%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$22,894
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$32,548
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
70.3%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
19.6%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
8.7%
% Population in Labor Force
60.2%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
38''
Average Winter Low Temperature
23°F
Average Summer High Temperature
90°F
Annual Snowfall
24''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
37/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
38/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
32/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
