Owen’s-McCoy House Master Plan

Landworks Studio worked closely with the owners of the historic Owens-McCoy House in Independence to research the history of the property develop a landscape master plan.  The owners of this 180-year-old home are in the process of converting it from their personal residence to a museum property that will serve to interpret the many stories tied to the property.  Originally built by Samuel Owens in 1840, one of the original group of men that founded what would become Kansas City, the home and property bear testament to the periods of Anglo-European settlement, Westward expansion, the Civil War, and even Urban Renewal.  The owners sought a plan that could reenvision an historically accurate landscape but also provide spaces for visitors to tour the grounds, connect with history, and enjoy occasional social  benefits or gatherings.   

Our design team performed multiple site visits to inventory existing plantings, reviewed historical reports documenting the history of the property, and conducted an on-site design charrette with the owners to develop multiple design concepts.  The owners expect to implement the plan once documentation of various architectural improvements are complete.