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Epperson House Transformation into Boutique Hotel

Proposed design of the Epperson House lobby in its transformation to a boutique hotel.

News Summary

The historic Epperson House at 5200 Cherry Street in Kansas City is set to be transformed into a boutique hotel and spa. Originally built in 1920, the mansion will feature 14 luxurious rooms, a café, a hydrothermal spa, and intimate event spaces. The redevelopment aims to preserve its rich history while revitalizing the local community. With plans spearheaded by the Sunflower Development Group, there are also whispers of a ghostly presence linked to the mansion’s past. The project is expected to take a few years as funding is sought.

Big Changes Coming to Kansas City: Epperson House Set for Transformation!

Exciting news is in the air for the residents of Kansas City! The historic Epperson House, a magnificent mansion sitting at 5200 Cherry Street on the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) campus, is about to undergo a breathtaking transformation into a boutique hotel and spa. Imagine staying in a home that’s been a part of Kansas City history since 1920, originally built by insurance tycoon Uriah Epperson for a whopping cost of $450,000! Can you believe that today that amount would be equivalent to more than $8 million?

A Peek Inside the Epperson House

This mansion is no small feat—it boasts an impressive 52 rooms and stretches across 24,000 square feet. Although the Epperson House has remained empty for over a decade, it’s primed for reinvention. The redevelopment plans include turning it into a modern, 14-room boutique hotel with a cozy atmosphere. Guests will be able to enjoy several luxurious amenities such as a café, an inviting small library bar, a full-service restaurant, and intimate event spaces perfect for gatherings.

And that’s just the start! Guests can also indulge in a hydrothermal spa offering soothing body and facial treatments, ancient European baths, and hot and cold therapies. There will even be workshops led by visiting practitioners! The aim of this transformation is not only to preserve the deep-seated heritage of the Epperson House, but to make it a lively hub for the local neighborhood, UMKC faculty, staff, students, and visitors to the bustling city.

Architecture Meets History

Intriguingly, the redevelopment will be spearheaded by the Sunflower Development Group in partnership with Jen Gulvik. Kansas City’s own Generator Studio will provide the design architecture, ensuring that the unique features such as ornate woodwork, an indoor swimming pool, a billiard room, a barbershop, a custom organ, and even a tunnel linking the east and west wings are preserved during the process. The Epperson House has so much history packed into its walls—it’s almost like a character in its own right!

A Spooky Secret?

Word on the street has it that the Epperson House isn’t just a stunning piece of architecture; it’s rumored to be haunted! Locals whisper about the ghost of Epperson’s “adopted daughter,” an organ student at UMKC. While the stories of the past add a thrilling twist to the house’s legacy, how it fits into the new design remains to be seen. Will guests encounter a friendly ghost during their stay, or will they simply enjoy the gorgeous rejuvenation of this historic landmark?

Looking Toward the Future

As this transformative project gains momentum, financial partners are currently being sought, and state and federal historic tax credits will be explored to help fund the plan. However, it could take a few years to gather the necessary funds to kick off construction. The upcoming KC Streetcar stop at UMKC, set to open later this year, is anticipated to boost the project’s success and facilitate access for future guests.

Breathing Life Back into History

The redevelopment of the Epperson House comes after UMKC issued a Request for Proposals to bring life back into this iconic mansion, which once served as a dormitory and conservatory space before falling silent. Now, as the decrepit situation fades away, Kansas City residents and visitors alike can look forward to experiencing a piece of their history while enjoying modern-day luxuries. It’s definitely an exciting time for the Epperson House and the entire Kansas City community as they prepare to welcome this beautiful new chapter!