Kansas City’s Midwest Hotel, circa 1915, is next on many preservationists’ list of endangered buildings in downtown area. I recently heard it’s slated for demolition, a rumor that seems inevitable but still nearly knocks me off my feet. (Here’s a long and dated account of its existence from The Pitch)
While some argued that the Orion (a recently demolished historic building nearby) was lacking architecturally (not me), you cannot say the same for this hotel. The site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, its facade is quite decadent, and there’s something comforting about the large sign crowning the roof, reminding us of a time when proximity to Union Station had a real value for travelers.
To make a weak tie to pedestrianism, I think we can all agree it’s a prime location in the walkable portion of the city and a part of the skyline when looking down Main Street from the south. It will also sit on the future streetcar route.
Speaking of the streetcar, each building along its path holds the success of the transit investment in their hands. If there’s nothing unique to do or see, what’s the point of taking a slow trip from Crown Center to River Market? It is my opinion that Main Street has a lot of room for improvement in becoming the highlight of the city. Enter Midwest Hotel.
Right now, it’s definitely got an “abandoned building” vibe.
But what if the structure was refurbished to become a trendy, vintage hotel, similar to the wildly popular Ace Hotels across the country. I don’t know any specific details about the integrity of the building but I do know that more often than not, old buildings were built to last.
As it seems many lack the imagination to picture the site sparkling clean and bustling with activity, I’ve photographically “fixed up” the location to give an idea of the Midwest Hotel’s potential. (click on the image to see the image larger)
Also check out this student’s senior thesis on the revitalization of the hotel’s interior on her website. It’s good to see a community of supporters in favor of renovation over demolition.
The prime location is both a blessing and a curse for this corner lot. I fear the new owners will be blinded by dollar signs and forgo the effort to restore this potential beauty. It’s definitely worth noting that many of the neighborhood’s residents and even some visitors come to the Crossroads Arts District specifically because of historic buildings like this, despite its current condition. What a waste to not take advantage of its potential.
Visit the “Save the Midwest Hotel” Facebook page to keep up on the news.
