Kansas City’s Boone Theater to Undergo $8.7 Million Revitalization, Reclaiming Cultural Significance in 18th & Vine Jazz District

Kansas City’s Boone Theater Set for Exciting Transformation

Kansas City is buzzing with excitement as the historic Boone Theater prepares for a much-anticipated **revitalization**. After nearly a hundred years, this beloved venue is set to undergo a stunning $8.7 million redevelopment project aimed at reclaiming its status as a cultural epicenter in the vibrant 18th & Vine Jazz District. Scheduled for completion in October 2024, this project is not just about bricks and mortar; it’s a celebration of the city’s rich history and its deep roots in Black arts, music, and film.

A Grand Vision for the Future

Nestled at 1701 E. 18th St., the Boone Theater, which was originally built in 1924, is gearing up to house the Black Movie Hall of Fame and the Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City. Additionally, it will feature modern office suites, further enhancing its role as a community hub. At a recent groundbreaking event, project leaders shared their vision for fostering creativity and connection in this historical district.

“We are excited to begin construction on this signature project and look forward to the wide-spread impact it will bring to the 18th & Vine district,” said Tim Duggan, founder of the urban planning firm Phronesis, which is part of the Vine Street Collaborative leading the project. This team has been involved in several notable renovations across the district, including creating Missouri’s first Black-owned brewery, Vine Street Brewing, located at 2000 Vine.

A Legacy of Black Culture

This redevelopment marks a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to amplify the legacy of Kansas City’s Black community. The Boone Theater’s historical importance cannot be overstated — it was named after John “Blind” Boone, a trailblazing pianist born during the U.S. Civil War. His story adds yet another layer of significance to the theater, inviting the community to engage with its history while creating new narratives.

Bridging the Past and Future

“When you think about this district, it represents the absolute best of Kansas City, not just the third district but the entire city,” shared Shomari Benton, co-founder of the Vine Street Collaborative. “This is more than just a redevelopment project; it’s about breathing life into a cultural corridor that has been a beacon for Black history and creativity for generations.”

With a substantial $2 million investment made possible through innovative financing and various incentives from city, state, and federal sources, there’s a palpable sense of hope and excitement surrounding this endeavor. Missouri Sen. Barbara Washington, D-Kansas City, played a key role in securing funds for the Boone Theater Community Investment Group, which will manage the operations of the theater.

Embracing the Arts

The revitalization is not just about the past but also focuses on the future of the arts in Kansas City. Rodney Thompson, who will oversee the operations of the Black Movie Hall of Fame, emphasized the connection between Kansas City and Hollywood. “Kansas City is more connected to Hollywood than people think,” he noted, mentioning notable filmmakers with ties to the city. “We’re creating something unique here, combining history with innovation, and making the 18th & Vine district the center of Black culture in America.”

In addition to the Black Movie Hall of Fame, the Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City sees this redevelopment as a thrilling opportunity. Damron Russel Armstrong, the founder, stated, “The addition of this space to our district is monumental. Partnerships are at the heart of theater, and with the Boone Theater, we’ll have the opportunity to grow and connect even more deeply with the community.”

A Bright Future Ahead

Construction for the Boone Theater is expected to span 12 to 18 months, with work having started just recently. U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II, D-Missouri, who spoke at the groundbreaking, reflected on the broader significance of the project: “Projects like these build bridges — not just physical ones, but bridges of culture, history, and community. And that’s the legacy we want to leave here in Kansas City.”

So, as the sound of construction begins to echo in the 18th & Vine Jazz District, the community anticipates a thrilling revival of a beloved landmark that promises to enrich Kansas City’s cultural landscape for generations to come.