Plans Announced for Boutique Hotel at Epperson House

News Summary

The historic Epperson House on the UMKC campus is set for a transformation into a luxurious boutique hotel with a spa and restaurant. Originally built in the 1920s, the mansion has been empty for over a decade, and new plans aim to revitalize this charming property while preserving its historical features. The development agreement with the Sunflower Development Group promises a unique stay with various amenities while connecting the university to the community.

Exciting Plans Unveiled for Epperson House on UMKC Campus

Kansas City is buzzing with excitement as the historic Epperson House on the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) campus is set to undergo a stunning transformation. Shaped like a fairy tale castle, this charming Tudor-Gothic mansion, located at 5200 Cherry St., is about to become a luxurious boutique hotel featuring a rejuvenating spa and a delightful restaurant.

A Look Back at a Beautiful Gem

The Epperson House was built in the early 1920s for Uriah Epperson, an insurance executive and philanthropist, along with his beloved wife, Mary. Pouring around $500,000 into construction (which today would amount to over $8 million!), the couple created a magnificent space with 54 rooms across four stories.

What makes this mansion truly unique? Brace yourself for incredible features like an indoor swimming pool, elevators, an intricately custom-built organ, and even a basement tunnel that connects different wings of the house!

The Epperson Legacy and Its Utilization

Sadly, Uriah passed away in 1927 and Mary followed in 1939, leaving the house without their loving touch. In 1942, an associate of Uriah Epperson gifted the mansion to UMKC, leading it to serve a variety of purposes over the years, including dormitory space and practice rooms for aspiring musicians at the conservatory.

Finding a New Purpose

However, the Epperson House has been sitting empty for over a decade, awaiting costly repairs to meet current code and accessibility requirements. Recognized as one of Historic Kansas City’s most endangered places, it was clear that a new plan was needed to give it a second life.

In 2023, UMKC issued a request for developers to come up with a proposal to rejuvenate the property, resulting in a promising development agreement with Sunflower Development Group and hospitality expert Jen Gulvik. They plan to convert the mansion into a delightful 14-room boutique hotel that will be a wonderful addition to the community.

What to Expect from the Boutique Hotel

The renovation plans are sweeping, and guests will be treated to a plethora of amenities, including a cozy café, a full-service restaurant, a library bar perfect for reading or relaxing, event space for special occasions, and a hydrothermal spa that promises an array of body and facial treatments along with **ancient European-style baths**. Not to mention the offerings of hot and cold therapies, retreats, workshops, and wellness programs!

Additional partners involved in this exciting project include the talented architecture firm Generator Studio and Heritage Consulting Group, ensuring the historical charm of the Epperson House is preserved while providing it with modern amenities.

A Stroll Down Ghostly Lane

During WWII, even Navy cadets spoke of ghostly happenings, and students in the 1970s experienced peculiar phenomena, such as lights mysteriously turning on by themselves. To dive into these tales, historian Chris Wolff frequently leads tours to share the mansion’s captivating history and ghostly stories!

A Bright Future Ahead

All renovations aim to retain the original features—think ornate woodwork and that charming custom organ—while giving the historic house a fresh new purpose as it bridges the university with the local community. The restoration project is anticipated to reach into the millions, with plans to seek financing partners and apply for state and federal historic tax credits.

Moreover, since the Epperson House is located near the upcoming KC Streetcar stop at UMKC, it will soon become an easy destination for locals and tourists alike. The thrill of transformation is upon us, and the magic of this storied mansion is about to come back to life in the most delightful way!