Kansas City Launches Fundraising Effort to Restore Historic Laugh-O-Gram Studios

Kansas City Gears Up to Revive Historic Laugh-O-Gram Studios with New Fundraising Campaign

Kansas City is abuzz with excitement as the community rallies around an important piece of its history — the Laugh-O-Gram Studios, where a very young Walt Disney first dipped his toes into the enchanting world of animation. This beloved landmark, located near 30th and Troost, is getting a second chance, thanks to the newly launched “Dreams Start Here” campaign. The goal? Secure $4 million to transform this historical gem into a vibrant digital storytelling center that will inspire and train future generations of artists and animators.

A Glimpse into the Past

For those who may not know, Laugh-O-Gram Studios opened its doors in May 1922 and was short-lived, closing just over a year later in August 1923. Walt Disney faced bankruptcy, but the studio left an indelible mark on Kansas City’s creative landscape. It was not just a place where Disney started out; it was also where iconic animators like Ub Iwerks and Bugs Hardaway launched their careers. Today, it stands as a reminder of Kansas City’s proud history — the early roots of what would grow into the animated megastudios of Hollywood.

Saving a Piece of History

Butch Rigby, the founder and chair of Thank You Walt Disney, Inc., led a recent gathering to officially kick off the fundraising campaign and solidify key partnerships aimed at saving the building. Rigby expressed that preserving the studio is essential. “We’ve saved the shell of the building, and now we have to decide — how do we best utilize it? How do we tell the story of Walt Disney and the animators who began their careers here?”

At an event held at MultiStudio in the Westport neighborhood, motivators detailed plans for the revitalization project. The vision not only includes preserving the building’s historic integrity but turning it into an active hub where young people from Kansas City’s urban core can learn skills in animation, graphic design, and other digital arts.

A Space for the Next Generation

Rigby shared his enthusiasm, saying, “We thought, what better purpose for a little cartoon studio that really launched Hollywood animation than to put a digital storytelling group in that building? We’re creating a space for the next generation of creators in the very rooms Walt Disney worked in.”

Though initial funding from foundations, businesses, and private donors has already begun the restoration process, the campaign aims to secure additional financial support. Among the notable contributors is Diane Disney, the late daughter of Walt, whose assistance in restoring the building’s shell was instrumental in this revival.

Community Involvement

Local institutions such as UMB Bank and Bank of America have also played vital roles in ensuring the preservation efforts move forward. U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver II joined the choir of support, emphasizing, “We’ve got to do our part to make sure people understand this is not some Mickey Mouse town.” He shared a story about his son, who faced disbelief from peers about Disney’s roots in Kansas City. Having a digital storytelling center will surely shine a light on the city’s significant contributions to the world of animation.

The Architectural Promise

Architects from MultiStudio are devoted to restoring Laugh-O-Gram Studios with sensitivity to its historic value. Chief Marketing Officer Bridget Lowe highlighted the importance of this project: “To think this building was nearly demolished — it goes straight to the heart of why architects do what we do. Every restoration is a chance to tell the world what we value.”

What’s Next?

The campaign is entering its first phase of construction, which will focus on stabilizing the building after a near-structural disaster last year. Moving forward, plans include installing exhibits, co-working spaces, and educational areas to support aspiring creators.

With substantial funding already secured, the future of Laugh-O-Gram Studios looks brighter than ever. Rigby summarized the mission poignantly, “This building is a bridge between Kansas City’s past and its creative future. It’s only fitting that we’re here on Troost Avenue, a place that now represents connection, creativity, and opportunity.”