From the 1880s to 1920s, many prominent white Kansas Citians (including ophthalmologist Flavel Tiffany, Governor Thomas Crittenden, banker William T. Kemper, and MEC, S pastor James Porter) resided in mansions along what had been a farm-to-market road.

[2] In the second half of the 20th century, this busy commercial hub became the "Troost Wall" due to a lack of city funding and further decline into blight.

[10][11][12] In the 21st century, the Troost Corridor has been revitalized by zoning overlays, modern streetscape guidelines, and real estate development, often championed by grassroots organizations.

[3] A September 2020, resolution by the City Council charged the Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners with removing city-owned ties to racism and slavery.

[19] That year, Kansas City mayor Sly James likened Troost Avenue to "the demarcation line in a war zone".