Independence Square Association (ISA) began in 1957 as The Independence Uptown Shopping Center. In 1977 the organization merged with the Jackson Square Association and adopted its current name. In 2018 ISA joined Missouri Main Street Connection as an Affiliate Grant community and earned an Associate Community accreditation on July 22, 2020.
A Board of Directors, comprised of local property owners, business owners, Independence community leaders, and supportive citizens help to govern the organization. Investor businesses, known as partners, help guide the association as it works to promote an attractive and financially stable historic district, preserving the area’s historic resources and contributing to the enrichment of the larger Independence community.
ISA creates a variety of events, both free and paid, that engage people from surrounding neighborhoods, neighboring cities and more. We have partnered with the Truman Library to create the annual Harry’s Hop and Hunt (a nod to the White House Easter Egg Roll) and a celebration of the Truman’s 100th Wedding Anniversary. We sponsor the holiday lighting in our historic district with over 1 mile of LED lights outlining our buildings. Living Windows has become a beloved tradition as many of the fist-floor windows come to life during a night worthy of a Hallmark Christmas movie. Locals enjoy free outdoor movies during the summer evenings each Thursday. Other annual events include Wine and Brew Walk, Square Table, Ghouls Night Out, Square Lighting featuring Santa’s workshop, and Chocolate Walk to name a few.
Our Four Pillar Committees keep the organization focused on its mission. If you’d like to help with our efforts, apply to be a volunteer.
