2008 Woodie Awards
Resident remembers Twin Oaks
David Kerr
Issue date: 12/5/05 Section: Forum
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Twin Oaks resident Mary Tichenor leads a vibrant life, and her tidy apartment shows it.
"I collect art supplies and give them to an art class," Tichenor said. "I also recycle."
Near her easy chair are stacks of books and magazines. A reading lamp cranes high above the chair, poised like a mechanical friend. She even has a trampoline smack dab in the middle of her living room.
But this time next year, Tichenor, 84, won't be living in her apartment. Nobody will.
The University of Missouri-Kansas City, which owns her apartment building, has decided Twin Oaks is beyond repair. It will be demolished. In its place, UMKC will build housing which is more student-friendly.
Current non-students like Tichenor will not be allowed back. Tichenor is angry.
"It doesn't make sense to me," she said, "the buildings are structurally sound."
Ms. Tichenor also says the University isn't considering the historical importance of Twin Oaks.
"Architecture people from all around the country have been here to look at Twin Oaks," Tichenor said. "I'm angry over the unfairness."
In early January of this year, Tichenor, along with other residents, found out about UMKC's decision to destroy the two 11-story buildings which comprise Twin Oaks. Demolition will begin shortly after May 31, 2006, the date by which all residents must be out of the buildings.
When the buildings were purchased by the University in 1999, UMKC's plan was to rehab the buildings.
For over 30 years Tichenor has lived at 5000 Oak St., in the north building. She moved to Twin Oaks in April 1974. She found out about Twin Oaks from a friend at Saint James Church at 39th and Troost. Her friend Blanche was already living in Twin Oaks. Tichenor inquired and, to her surprise, found Twin Oaks affordable. She placed her name on the waiting list and was able to move in three months later.
"I don't remember exactly, but the rent was a little over 100 a month," said Tichenor.
When she moved in, Twin Oaks impressed her. The building seemed well-built and maintained.
"In the basement they had shelves and shelves of parts for repairing everything," Tichenor recalled. "They used to repair refrigerators, air conditioners, everything. These days if something breaks down they just throw it away and bring you a new one. They even used to repair furniture down there too."
