Quaint and nostalgic, Baldwin City's nearly 30 blocks of brick streets have absorbed 100 years of various types of traffic. This project is planned to begin in the summer of 2025 and will be a multi-year project.

Baldwin Bricks Quick Facts:

  • Laid in 1925, the streets are currently 100 years old
  • Around 30 blocks of brick total are in existence in Baldwin today
  • 14 blocks were designated as Restoration Phase I, which will be split into multiple years
  • Bricklayer was named James Edward Brown and won many contests for brick laying speed
  • Total cost to restore 14 blocks was originally estimated around 5.6 Million dollars
  • This project is planned to begin in 2025 and will be a multi-year project

Imprint of Generations

Quaint and nostalgic, Baldwin City's nearly 30 blocks of brick streets have absorbed 100 years of various types of traffic. Replacing the dirt and oil streets of the 1920s, the bricks were an enormous improvement in pedestrian friendliness and cleanliness. Not to mention the way the street material eased the transition from horses and carts to motorized vehicles.

Today, they are a monument of sorts to the passage of time and generational change as the dark red bricks slip into photos of concerts, family outings, and photo shoots.

Sales Tax Vote November 8, 2022

Up to 70% of the cost of restoration for the 14 blocks identified in Phase I may be funded through grants. City staff is working with consultants to identify and pursue these opportunities. Even so, the cost to restore -- or even replace -- these blocks will need to  have a designated, reliable funding source.

City Council asked citizens of Baldwin City to vote on a .25% sales tax increase on the November 8th, 2022 ballot, and the initiative passed. The funds generated are legally designated for general public infrastructure improvements, including repair, replacement, or improvement of existing brick streets within the City.

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Project Documents