Dodson Industrial Association

Background and History

The Dodson Industrial District is a unique mix of industrial, commercial, and retail businesses in the southeast area of Kansas City, MO. It may be the oldest, organized district in the City, dating back well before World War II. The district evolved from an area that was once dominated by truck farms that provided the community with fresh vegetables and feed mills that fattened sheep before their final trip to the slaughterhouses, to a major industrial hub – producing, among other things, Pratt & Whitney airplane engines for the planes fighting WWII.  Over time, agricultural related uses gave way to light manufacturing, and to construction and equipment storage uses.
The Blue River, generally, is the southern boundary of the district, and has played a strong role in the fortunes, and misfortunes, of the district. At one point, the oxbow of the river was cut off, diverting the river to its present course, leading the City to establish a landfill site in the former oxbow.

 As in most areas along the Blue, sudden and catastrophic flooding is a constant threat to businesses and homes in the area. The City and the U.S. Corps of Engineers (USACE) are now undertaking a flood mitigation project in Dodson that will alleviate flooding.

Construction is underway on a levee project that will protect the district from the sudden type of flooding that has plagued it in the past. This flood mitigation project will necessitate the relocation of several businesses whose properties back into or are adjacent to the Blue River.

Major Businesses in Dodson Industrial

• Alber Electric
• Bratton Corporation
• Country Club Tree
• Dean Machinery Company
• Genesys
• Hot Top Asphalt
• KCP&L
• Kissick Construction
• Kraft Tank
• Labconco Corporation
• Merit Packaging
• Permacel Corporation
• Ryan Tree & Lawn
• Transporation Logistics

Past Infrastructure Issues/Successes

• 85th Street improvements between Prospect and 71 Highway
• Phase I & II of flood levee
• Prospect Bridge