JACKSON COUNTY, Mo. —

Artists and small business owners in Kansas City’s historic West Bottoms say massive property tax increases could make it impossible for them to stay in their building.

Inside a five-story, 30,000-square-foot 19th-century warehouse, artist Mark Cowardin’s sculptures fill the open spaces. Advertisement

But co-owner and fellow artist Terry Lodahl said the building’s future and the creative community inside are now in jeopardy.

“Artists here cannot afford, you know, a rent hike. So I don't know how we're going to cover that,” Lodahl said.

He said the building’s tax assessment jumped by 800% this year. After appealing, it was reduced to 300%, but Lodahl said the experience feels unfair.

“The people that did nothing are getting a great deal. And the people that work

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