Kansas City to Transform Historic Armory into Event Venue and Transportation Museum

Kansas City to Transform Historic Armory into Event Venue and Museum

Kansas City residents, get ready for some exciting changes on the horizon! The long-vacant former Kansas City National Guard Armory is set to undergo a spectacular transformation, thanks to a hefty $9.5 million investment. This revitalization project promises to breathe new life into the historic building located at 3620 Main Street, just southwest of the bustling intersection of 36th and Main Streets.

A New Future for a Historic Building

The latest news comes straight from the city’s Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority (LCRA), which recently greenlit a 10-year, 70% property tax abatement for the project. This financial incentive will go a long way in helping 3620 Main Street Venue LLC, the entity spearheading this exciting development, offset the costs associated with rehabilitating the armory. The company is led by the dynamic duo, Rich Hoffman and Kyle Grell, who are known for their work with the contractor Precision Roofing.

A Look Back in Time

For those who may not know, this historic site has quite the past. Originally home to the 110th Combat Engineer Battalion of the Missouri Army National Guard, the armory has stood for over a century. After being purchased from Exact Partners LLC in October 2023, Hoffman and Grell are set to turn it into something truly special.

What to Expect from the New Venue

Here’s where it gets really exciting! The first floor of the armory will be transformed into a spacious event venue, spanning approximately 15,000 square feet. This impressive space will have the capacity to host nearly 600 guests for a variety of occasions including weddings, parties, meetings, and more. Just imagine celebrating your special day in such a unique venue!

But that’s not all! The upper levels of the building are set to house a fascinating transportation museum. This museum will feature vehicles, airplanes, and various collectibles that have special ties to Kansas City. So whether you’re an automobile aficionado or just looking for a fun outing with family, this museum is sure to delight people of all ages.

Facing Challenges, Pursuing Passion

Despite the excitement surrounding this project, it’s not all smooth sailing. The armory has faced its fair share of challenges, including water issues and exterior deterioration. Previous findings indicated that the site had been classified as blighted, causing concern for its future.

Bob Mayer, president of MR Capital Advisors, described the rehabilitation project as more of a “passion project” rather than a conventional moneymaker. During a recent LCRA meeting, Mayer emphasized that the developers’ intention is to not only stabilize the area but also to showcase the treasured heirlooms that Hoffman has collected over the years. It’s all about creating a space that enriches the community.

What’s Next?

While the LCRA incentive comes with an estimated value of $924,512, it’s important to note that the development’s projected returns will fall below typical benchmark ranges, according to financial analyses. Despite this, the team plans to kick off the conversion process in the first quarter of 2025, with an anticipated completion date in the second quarter of 2026.

And don’t forget about the adjoining half-acre surface parking lot, which will serve both the event venue and the museum. This little add-on will surely make life easier for visitors.

A Community-Focused Future

As the new Goodwill store just north of the site recently celebrated its opening, the community surrounding 3620 Main Street is poised for some exciting growth and development. In short, Kansas City is on the brink of an exhilarating journey that promises a blend of history, culture, and community togetherness. Keep an eye on this project; it’s sure to make waves in the local scene!