David Johnson is a Crossroads resident and civic activist. A native of Coffeyville, KS and a project manager by day, he is also an active transit advocate and the President of the Crossroads Community Association. He has worked on a number of grassroots preservation campaigns and has helped raise the profile on a number of preservation battles through creative outreach strategies and social media, including the Cosby Hotel (saved 2010), Midwest Hotel (threatened), Orion Building (demolished 2013), and the Lane Building (threatened).
Q: Why is it important for people to become more involved in preserving their community?
A: If people don’t speak up before the wrecking ball comes, there’s very little the rest of us can do. The message to preserve the history and buildings that make Kansas City has to be broad-based and loud.