Why Lawrence? Tom from Lawrence Modern
Meet Tom Harper. He's a Lawrence Realtor and Mid-Century Modern Architecture enthusiast. Listen as he shares the origins of Lawrence's cool mid-century neighborhoods and his appreciation of the architecture's place in Lawrence's history.
Tom is a founding member of Lawrence Modern, a local organization with a mission to raise awareness of midcentury and modern architecture in Lawrence and promote its preservation to ensure that future generations of Lawrencians will have significant examples to appreciate and/or to live in.
More Lawrence History
Share your why
Is Lawrence special to you too? Share your why on social media using #WhyLawrence!
Shy
Meet Shiloh "Shy" LeBeau, a USIBA National Champion Boxer. Listen as she shares why she loves Lawrence from one of her favorite places, Haskell Memorial Stadium.
Pam
Pam the General Manager of the Historic Eldridge Hotel in Downtown Lawrence shares what out-of-towners are amazed by when they visit Lawrence, Kansas.
Derek
Meet Derek, the Executive Director of the Lied Center of Kansas at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. See why he says you should come to Lawrence for a visit.
Lisa
Meet Lisa. She's a Lawrence resident and a painter and printmaker. Her works can be found in private homes, corporations, schools, libraries, hospitals, and museums, including the Spencer Museum of Art at the University of Kansas. Watch...
Justin
Meet Justin. He's the owner of River Rat Skate and Print. In addition to being Lawrence's only skateboard shop, it's a local print shop and has its own apparel line. Watch to see what Justin thinks about Lawrence, Kansas.
Al
Meet Al. He's an expert tour guide for The Jayhawk Experience. The Jayhawk Experience is a walking tour that gives guests the opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at many of the KU’s iconic facilities, including Allen...
Marlo
Meet Marlo. She's a filmmaker, the director of the Free State Festival, and the Curator for media and film at the Lawrence Arts Center. Marlo shares why the Wishing Bench, an East Lawrence landmark, is remarkable to her in this episode.
Megan
Meet Megan Luttrell. She's a singer-songwriter with powerhouse vocals and compelling original music. She hosts open mic nights and the Women's Songwriter Showcase at Kaw Valley Public House - a friendly neighborhood live music pub...
Mona
Meat Mona Cliff. She's a multidisciplinary visual artist explores the subject of contemporary Native American identity and culture through her use of traditional Native crafting methods such as seed bead embroidery and fabric applique....
Nicole
Meet Nicole (and her pup Finch). Nicole is an Animal Rescuer with a special place in her heart for senior dogs. Nicole fosters senior dogs, giving them the best end-of-life experience they could wish for. Here she is with Finch at the Mutt...
Chloe
Meet Chloe. She puts the finishing touches on the delicious cakes and cupcakes, among many other things at Munchers, a local favorite 24-hour bakery. Here she tells us one of the reasons why she loves Lawrence.
Roger
Meet Roger. He is a scientist and birding expert. He was an integral part of restoring the Baker University Wetlands and the on-site Discovery Center. Here he tells us some of the reasons why he loves Lawrence.
Krystal
Meet Krystal. She's a lifelong yogi and the owner and instructor at Free State of Mind SUP Yoga. In this video she shares some of the reasons why she chooses Lawrence for her home and business.
Cuee
Meet Cuee. He's a Hip Hop artist who has made his way in the Lawrence music scene. Originally from Chicago, Cuee is an emerging star, and we are here for it! From the patio of the Replay Lounge, he shares a few reasons why Lawrence is a...
Huascar
Meet Huascar Medina. He is the Poet Laureate of Kansas™. In this video at the Lawrence Levee Trail on the banks of the Kansas River, Huascar tells us what "Midwest Nice" looks like in Lawrence.
Marla
Meet Marla. She's an artist and historian. Her quilts are inspired by her ancestors, historical figures, and the Kansas region and have been on exhibit all across the country. In this video, Marla shares her "Why Lawrence" and...
Deja
Meet Deja Brooks. She is a drag artist and activist who shares her talents throughout the community to elevate local charities and create a positive platform for the LGBTQ+ community. Here she shares a part of why Lawrence is a great place...
Rob
Meet Rob. He and his wife are the Innkeepers at Victorian Veranda Country Inn, a Bed & Breakfast and event venue in rural Lawrence. Here he shares why Lawrence stands out from other communities in the Midwest.
Aundrea
Meet Aundrea. When she’s not battling hunger as the Impact Director of Just Food, our local food bank, she’s expanding the popularity of Disc Golf amongst the women and youth of the area. In this video at Centennial Disc Golf...
Matt
Meet Matt. He is the President and Co-Founder of Lawrence Beer Company, a community brewery with locations in East and West Lawrence. Matt talks about the personality of Lawrence in this episode of "Why Lawrence?"
Catalina
Meet Catalina. She manages her family's restaurant, La Tropicana. The North Lawrence neighborhood restaurant has been in the family and serving the community since 1967! Catalina shares why people fall in love with Lawrence in this...
Boog
Meet Dennis 'Boog' Highberger. He's a Kansas State Representative. In this video at the ADA-accessible Passerine Pavilion at Wells Overlook Park, Boog shares why Lawrence is a special place.
Jamie
Meet Jamie. She's a local skateboarder. Jamie tells us about Lawrence being an understanding and chill place in this Why Lawrence video. And why the Skatepark at Centennial Park is a great place for all skaters regardless of...
Brian
Meet Brian. He is a host at The Eldridge Hotel. In this video, Brian shares a little about the haunted stories of the Historic hotel.
Willow
Meet Willow. She's the Assistant Manager at RPG (short for Restaurant, Pub & Games). Willow shares what she finds great about Lawrence in this episode of "Why Lawrence."
Rick
Meet Rick! He owns Johnny's Tavern in North and West Lawrence and J. Wilson's. Rick shares what he calls "the spice of life" in this episode of "Why Lawrence?".
Christina
Meet Christina. She serves in the Kansas State Legislature. In this episode of "Why Lawrence?", Christina shares several reasons why Lawrence is a special place to her.