We're Not in Kansas Anymore

Tags:: Design; Architecture; Culture

On May 4, 2007, Greensburg, Kansas, was wiped off the map. An EF5 tornado ravaged the small town of 1,400 residents, destroying or severely damaging 95 percent of the city. Less than a week later, however, the survivors did the incredible: At a meeting under a tent, they rallied to rebuild as a sustainable city.

Some community members at first were skeptical, but they later embraced the idea of following in the footsteps of their ancestors, who had lived off the land. With the backing of the city, state, and federal governments and the nonprofit Greensburg GreenTown, founded by nearby Stafford County residents Daniel Wallach and Catherine Hart, the town has become a sustainable mecca—boasting more than 25 green projects so far and attracting thousands of eco-tourists.

— Miyoko Ohtake

We're not in Kansas anymore, except we are—despite what the wind turbines may suggest. After being torn to shreds by a twister, Greensburg has rebuilt itself as a beacon of sustainable design in the middle of the American heartland.

Photo by: Alec Soth

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