Fancy Family Session | KC River Market History

It was great to see this family again, plus their newer addition! Mom told me they were doing something “not so casual”.  I was super surprised and delighted to see this gorgeous family meet me. Loved the contrast of the KC River Market farmer’s market with their dressy clothes! No matter how many times I shoot there, I always find a new spot. Lots of laughs at this session, family photography should be fun!

A little history on the River Market. The large, open-air farmer’s market began in the 1800’s. The history is full of french influences and even some mobster stories. Interesting stuff.

1920’s Rivermarket:

In the 1920’s, life around the City Market became busy with business. The City Market included City Hall, the Gillis Opera House, the Jackson County Courthouse, two newspapers and a number of other businesses.

1930’s Rivermarket

The City Market underwent an extensive renovation with a large public works project. New buildings were constructed through the job initiatives of the Roosevelt Administration.

1960’s Rivermarket

During the 1960’s the Market was predominantly a produce-only destination. The City Market and the surrounding River Quay area became a popular district with bars, restaurants, and other businesses.

1980’s & 1990’s Rivermarket

In the late 1980’s and 90’s, $14.5 million in public and private funds were invested in the City Market revamp the surrounding River Market neighborhood.

The City Market structures were rehabbed in 1990, resulting in over 100,000 square feet of restaurants, food-related shops, retail and museum exhibit space. The addition of the Arabia Steamboat Museum helping in taking a major step forward leading the way toward downtown redevelopment.

2000:

Returning to its roots as a food related attraction, the City Market has received national acclaim in the last couple of decades. In 2002, the City Market received a Great Markets/Great Cities Award of Distinction from the Project for Public Spaces. In 2007, the City Market celebrated its 150th anniversary season. With a record attendance of more than 700,000 visitors, the City Market was listed as Kansas City’s 6th Top Area Attraction in the Kansas City Business Journal.

My first studio space was at the Rivermarket and I have always felt safe shooting here, it holds a special place in my heart.

We’d love to capture your family in the Rivermarket area! See our pricing/booking page for details!