Take a walk with us around the newest proposed addition to the Lawrence Register of Historic Places: the Johnson Block. Named for its developer, Victor Johnson, the block comprises the east side of Arkansas Street and the west side of Missouri Street, between 8th and 9th streets. Beginning in 1909, Johnson developed it as a model block with paved streets, sidewalks, sewer, water and gas main service, and setback restrictions. Johnson built his own handsome house at 845 Missouri. The Johnson Block represents one of the first residential developments around the original core of Lawrence.

A property within the Johnson Block

While the exact configuration of the district is still being determined, as many as 18 contributing structures could be included. LPA member Michael Arp, who lives in the proposed district, has done much of the research and organized his neighbors in this effort. An LPA grant provided for a professional historian to fine-tune the research and bring a completed nomination forward to the Historic Resources Commission, and ultimately the Lawrence City Commission, for approval. 

Our leisurely walk of the Johnson Block will begin in front of 801 Missouri, at the southwest corner of 8th and Missouri. Board member Dale Nimz will lead the tour and point out a few of the different housing styles and points of interest along the way. You can visit with friends and find out about some history that has always been there but that you didn’t know existed. That’s what we try to do here at LPA.

We hope to see you Oct. 9 at 1:30 p.m, in front of 810 Missouri for our tour of the Johnson Block.