The Kansas City planning commission is backing a plan that would save several buildings at 31st and Main streets from being demolished.There are three buildings on the property that were built more than 100 years ago. They are all anchored by what is now the oldest building on Main Street - the Jeserich building, which was built in 1888.According to those who want to save it, the building is an essential part of a Midtown neighborhood.The planning commission took up a request for a historical designation without the support of the property owner.Developer Doug Price bought the group of buildings several years ago. Now that the streetcar line is coming through, he wants to demolish the buildings to make way for a 30-story apartment building with a recreation of the buildings around it."In no way to do they have historic architecture," Price said. "300-unit apartment community for everybody, mixed income means lower income and upper income will bring a lot of traffic and I believe that's what the city desires."to save them from the wrecking ball council members Kathryn Shields and Eric Bunch introduced an ordinance that would add the buildings to the city's historical register."Quite honestly, my constituents are demanding we do a better job of preserving historic buildings,"The planning commission voted 5-1 to advance that proposal to the full city council, where a sponsor is confident it will pass and begin a more meaningful debate."What does history mean to Kansas City? What does it mean to preserve buildings? What does it mean to tear them down? I think we need to have more robust policy discussions," Bunch said.If the full council does approve the plans, it would mean the buildings could not be demolished for at least three years as the city and owner negotiate a plan to save the buildings while also adding development.According to the planning commission, this is a very rare move. The only other time a building in Kansas City has been added to a historic register without owner approval was Union Station.