Kansas City Moves Closer to Reviving Walt Disney’s Historic Laugh-O-Gram Studio

Kansas City’s Dream of Restoring Walt Disney’s Laugh-O-Gram Studio Comes Closer to Reality

Welcome to Kansas City, where a long-held dream is finally taking shape! The vision of restoring the iconic Laugh-O-Gram Studio, once the launching pad for a young Walt Disney’s stellar career, is a step closer to becoming a vibrant reality. This isn’t just an old building filled with dusty memories—it’s a treasure trove of history with the potential to inspire generations to come.

A Journey of Two Decades

Imagine it—a place where creativity sparked, giving birth to one of the most beloved figures in Hollywood history. It’s been a journey that started about 20 years ago for this studio, nestled a block east of 31st and Troost. After years of hard work, today’s moment was celebrated with conceptual images unveiling what the revitalized space could look like.

The ambitious plans include the transformation of Disney’s original office into immersive exhibits, as well as a theater and lecture hall where people can come together to learn and be entertained. U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver attended the ceremony Thursday, and with a smile, he remarked, “This is no Mickey Mouse town,” before putting pen to paper on the construction contract to restore the studio’s façade.

Support from the Community

Securing funding for such a monumental project is no small feat, but the efforts are gaining traction! A generous $2 million federal grant paired with about $500,000 in private donations has the project inching closer to its halfway mark in fundraising goals. If you ask local leader Butch Rigby, he would tell you that this effort is a stunning demonstration of the potential of 31st and Troost.

For Rigby, the founder of the non-profit leading this initiative, the message is clear: “This is going to be one of the anchors.” He believes this area has produced some of the greatest talent and will continue to do so, shifting the narrative away from divisive comments about the neighborhood’s reputation.

A Legacy Restored

Walt Disney’s ties to this studio go back 101 years. Surprisingly, it was Butch Rigby who stepped in two decades ago to halt demolition plans that threatened to erase the building entirely. With a deep sense of nostalgia, Cleaver shared how the cartoons he watched as a child made Saturdays the highlight of his week. “I lived so close to the spot and realized there was Walt Disney I grew up looking at,” he reminisced.

Fast forward to 2012, Rigby’s vision for the studio included plans for a small animation lab and studio. Like Disney himself, it turns out that great things sometimes take longer than expected. Rigby said, “Let me tell you something. Walt Disney tried many, many times before he actually succeeded. And as he said, it’s the struggles that make you a success.”

The Future is Bright

The journey is still ongoing, and there’s a little work left to do. The development team is looking at a total of just over $4 million needed to fully realize this ambitious project. For those interested in contributing, donations of $10,000 or more can benefit from a 50% tax credit on Missouri income tax, making it an enticing opportunity for supporters.

Those who wish to contribute can make their donations at the dedicated website, helping ensure that both the legacy of Walt Disney and the spirit of Kansas City shine bright for many years to come. This endeavor is more than just a building renovation; it’s about honoring a dream, celebrating creativity, and inspiring future generations.

Join the Journey

As this project continues to gain momentum, the Kansas City community is invited to be a part of this historical moment. Keep an eye on what’s coming next as Kansas City reclaims and restores its place in animation history. It’s a splendid reminder that dreams, even when delayed, can often blossom into beautiful realities.