Much like other areas within the eastern portion of Kansas City, Missouri, the 40th through 42nd blocks along Prospect Avenue have undergone major demographic transitions over the past 66 years.  Between 1950 and 2000, the racial makeup of the area underwent a 180-degree shift from nearly all white to almost entirely black.  Housing values and population density also significantly decreased as large populations relocated and investment was redirected toward the suburban fringes.

The most significant change from 2000 to 2010 was the increase in vacant properties.  This area was hit hard by the economic recession of 2008, and the number of vacancies and dilapidated properties supports this.  Median rent increased as well, indicating a stronger competition for housing among those who no longer owned a home. Proximity to the city center also contributed to this increase as interest in a more urban lifestyle continued to rise.

The majority of the structures on these  blocks are single-family residences with a handful of stores and local businesses,  including  a corner convenience store and a barber shop. The area appears to have maintained its overall intended land-use structure, as shown on the 1917 Sanborn map, but has undergone drastic changes between the issue of the 1951 Sanborn Map and its current physical state.

Between these two time periods, 30 total  structures have been demolished, and the lots on which these properties sat remain vacant to this day without any visible efforts in rebuilding.  With the 2008 recession and the nationwide housing crisis, the  countless number of foreclosures made it easy for owners to abandon neglected structures.  After 5 years of tax delinquency, a property is then turned over to the city. Many of them require more repairs than the city has funds to support.  Therefore, the city of Kansas City, Missouri has been working tirelessly to raiz these eyesores, which have also been known to house prostitutes, drug dens, and even dead bodies.

Working on a limited amount of funds, the progress is relatively slow given the amount of properties continually turned over to the city.  The fact that these particular blocks have seen numerous single efforts to improve their integrity shows great hope for lowering crime rates and improving the livelihood of residents and prosperity of the area.