Tom Hutsler - Parkville Missouri

Flood of '93

I was introduced to Parkville in the flood of '93. We sandbagged continously for two and half weeks in historic Parkville. I worked along side hundreds of volunteers from Parkville and throughout the metro-plex. Our common goal and purpose was to save the downtown district from the flood waters of the Missouri river.

It was on the one helpless day that we realized all hope was lost. There was little we could to do to keep back the rising waters of the Missouri river.

"One thing we learned was water will go where it wants to go."

One thing that I will always remember from that experience was the community coming together in a unified effort. The friendships that were made have been long lasting.

The real work began when the waters receeded and we once again volunteered to help with the cleanup effort.

After the flood ...

Thus, in late 1993 the Renovation of the flooded buildings began.

I helped to renovate 10 properties on Main Street. I purchased the property at 15 Main, once known as McKeon's Soda Fountain, a building that had been condemned by the city. With partners Nick Dixon and Mark Latshaw we built a new building on the original site using the original brick made in 1900. The idea was to build a building that was similiar in character to the original structure. Once completed it became the home of Stone Canyon Pizza Company.

The opening of Stone Canyon ignited the rebirth of the shopping district.

Next on the agenda was the property of Two Main known as the Park College Power Plant.

Working diligently with Don Breckon, College President, and his staff I purchased the property from Park College. After a tremendous amount of cleanup and investment we were able to renovate the building, preserve its character.

My Vision For Parkville

Preservation and renovations will help maintain the historic integrity of our Riverfront town.

We must recruit new businesses that respond to consumer needs and compliment the existing merchants.

In the last decade over 1000 new jobs have been created in and around historic Parkville. We have created jobs for local residents, university student's, and kids growing up in the local community.