J.C. Nichols Company Records (KC0106)

J.C. Nichols Company Records (KC0106)

Jesse Clyde Nichols (1880-1950) entered the real estate business in Kansas City, Kansas, in 1903, but by 1905 had moved his efforts to Kansas City, Missouri, where he found his success. His objective was to "develop whole residential neighborhoods that would attract an element of people who desired a better way of life, a nicer place to live and would be willing to work in order to keep it better." Nichols included in his early planning fine residences, conveniently located shopping areas, and restrictive covenants to maintain the quality of housing. From this base the J.C. Nichols Company grew and was responsible for developing some 56 residential areas.

Under the leadership of J.C. Nichols and his son, Miller Nichols (1911-2000), the Company has been a primary force in the development of Kansas City and has been recognized nationally and internationally for its efforts in real estate and neighborhood development. It has undertaken such ventures as rental housing, industrial parks, hotels, and shopping centers. Perhaps the most widely recognized Nichols Company developments are the Country Club District and the Country Club Plaza Shopping Center, reportedly the first shopping area in the United States planned to serve those arriving by automobile rather than trolley car.

The records contain personal and business files concerning J.C. Nichols' private life including personal correspondence, personal financial records, and speeches and articles written by him. Included are scrapbooks on J.C. Nichols dating from 1896 to 1967. Also here are business and financial files pertaining to actions of the Company, including information about different developments and the securing of art objects. Included also are printed materials produced by and about the Company, and photographs of business associates of J.C. Nichols and of various aspects of the company's real estate developements. ca. 1896-1980.

167 cubic feet, 158 folders, oversize volumes.