Kansas City to Restore Historic Laugh-O-gram Studio

News Summary

Kansas City is set to restore the historic Laugh-O-gram Studio, once home to Walt Disney’s first cartoon venture. Thank You Walt Disney Inc. has acquired the building, aiming to transform it into an educational hub for young creatives. With significant community support and a fundraising campaign underway, the restoration will not only honor the past but also inspire future generations in the digital arts.

Exciting News for Kansas City: Restoring the Legacy of Laugh-O-gram Studio!

Kansas City is buzzing with anticipation as a significant project is underway to restore a piece of its rich history. Thank You Walt Disney Inc., an organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of the legendary animator Walt Disney, has taken a monumental step by purchasing a historic building at the bustling corner of 31st and Forest Avenue.

A Glimpse into History

This particular building holds a special place in the history of animation, as it was once home to the Laugh-O-gram Studio, which peaked in 1922. It’s a fascinating piece of the puzzle, as this studio is recognized as Walt Disney’s first organized cartoon studio, where he spent nearly a decade in his twenties, developing his creative genius. Imagine the magic that flowed through those walls!

For those unaware, Laugh-O-gram Studio was where Walt’s imagination ran wild, and there’s even a charming rumor that the inspiration for Mickey Mouse came from a mouse that scurried across his desk at the studio. It was indeed a place where dreams began to take shape!

From Danger to Opportunity

Unfortunately, the building fell into a state of disrepair and was placed on the city’s demolition list back in the early 2000s. But rather than allowing history to be demolished, Thank You Walt Disney Inc. stepped in, determined to restore the studio and revitalize an essential part of Kansas City’s artistic legacy. Their aim isn’t just to restore the past but also to create a bright future.

Aiming to Inspire

The restoration initiative is set to transform the Laugh-O-gram building into an educational hub known as digiSTORY KC. This new establishment will focus on training young urban children in digital arts, encompassing fields such as animation and computer graphics. It’s all about offering inspiration and educational opportunities to the community’s youth, fostering creativity and innovation.

Community Support is Key

The project has garnered notable support, including a tremendous contribution from Walt Disney’s daughter, Diane Disney Miller, who generously donated over $2 million for restoring the building’s exterior, which includes a new roof and brick restoration. Following her passing in 2013, the vision for this restoration project continued to move forward, highlighting the importance of family support in preserving such a crucial piece of history.

The Road Ahead

A capital campaign is currently in motion to raise an additional $6.5 million needed for the interior restoration efforts. Thankfully, the fundraising campaign is doing well, already reaching more than halfway toward its goal! Excitingly, once funds are secured, the restoration process is expected to take less than two years to complete, creating a timeline that looks promising for the community.

A Call to Action

As the project progresses, the organization is encouraging the Kansas City community to help spread the word and connect with potential donors. This restoration isn’t just about creating a museum; it’s about building an educational center that looks forward rather than just back at the past.

The Disney Connection to Kansas City

Kansas City holds a special connection—Walt Disney moved there at the age of nine and called it home until he ventured off to Los Angeles in 1923. It was here he found his first art job at Pesmen-Rubin Commercial Art Studio before establishing Laugh-O-gram Films. The films made at Laugh-O-gram combined animation and live-action, often taking inspiration from **local news stories.**

However, not everything went smoothly. Financial troubles ultimately led to the bankruptcy of Laugh-O-gram Films, prompting Disney to seek new opportunities in Hollywood. As we all know, this journey eventually led to the founding of The Walt Disney Company—a monumental success fueled by creativity and perseverance.

Looking Forward

The restoration of the Laugh-O-gram Studio stands as a reminder of the power of dreams and creativity. It signifies a new chapter not only for the building itself but also for the future generations of artists, creators, and dreamers in Kansas City.

With community support and determination, Kansas City is about to honor its past while paving the way for future innovators. Stay tuned because this project is sure to be as magnificent as the stories that originated from these iconic walls!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

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Additional Resources

• KCTV5: Walt Disney Kansas City History Moves Forward
• Kansas City Star: Community Contributions for Disney Project
• KC Today: History of Laugh-O-gram Studio
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Ub Iwerks
• KSHB: Disney100 Exhibition at Union Station