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After the property at 718 Grand Boulevard was razed in 2018, clay was brought in for backfilling and grading the lot. The work was never completed, and the clay was left in piles.
Heavy rain caused piles of clay to run off the vacant lot and flood the basement of Racket Merchandise Co. They then filed a suit in Jackson County Circuit Court, claiming damages, loss of property value, loss of rent, loss of use, nuisance and negligence. The company also maintained that the clay was occupying the property and brought an ejectment claim.
A Jackson County jury delivered a $5.8 million verdict in favor of Racket Merchandise on April 12. Brandon Boulware of Bouleware Law in Kansas City commented saying that the jury didn’t want to see is more blight coming into downtown Kansas City. They sent a very clear message that you can’t come into this city and create blight.