ORDINANCE NO. 260090
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Sponsor: Mayor Quinton Lucas
Establishing Fund No. 6435, the City Hall Centennial Fund, in the records of the City of Kansas City for the preservation, modernization, programming and long-term stewardship of Kansas City’s City Hall as it nears its 100th anniversary; and directing the City Manager to recommend revenue sources for the Fund along with a prioritized list of City Hall capital improvement projects.
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WHEREAS, City Hall, located at 414 East 12th Street, is a landmark facility of profound architectural, historical and civic significance to the Kansas City community; and
WHEREAS, completed in 1937, this 29-story skyscraper features an observation deck and is distinguished by its Beaux-Arts and Art Deco design, distinguished by extensive architectural ornamentation and craftsmanship throughout the structure; and
WHEREAS, the year 2037 will mark the centennial anniversary of the dedication of City Hall, presenting a once-in-a-generation opportunity to honor its heritage while modernizing its performance, safety, sustainability, accessibility and role as a civic center; and
WHEREAS, the approaching centennial serves as a vital catalyst for strategic investments in the visitor experience, ensuring this landmark remains an accessible and welcoming civic hub for all residents and guests; and
WHEREAS, the City recognizes the importance of upgrades to the building’s interior and exterior are essential to restoring and preserving its historic grandeur for the next century of public service; and
WHEREAS, the expansion of guided tours and public educational programming is a priority for commemorating the unique architectural and cultural legacy of Kansas City’s civic heart; and
WHEREAS, modernizing the facility’s infrastructure and public-facing spaces will ensure that City Hall remains a premier destination for tourism and civic engagement through its 100th anniversary and beyond; and
WHEREAS, establishing a dedicated fund will allow for transparent governance, diversified funding strategies, community alignment, and effective project delivery to support both capital improvements and commemorative programming; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF KANSAS CITY:
Section 1. That Fund No. 6435 is hereby established as the City Hall Centennial Fund in the records of the City of Kansas City, Missouri. The purpose of the fund shall be for capital improvements, maintenance, and historic preservation of City Hall and use of revenue and contributions in the fund shall be restricted for that purpose.
Section 2. That the City Manager is directed to report to the City Council, within 180 days, recommended revenue sources for the Fund and a prioritized list of City Hall capital improvement projects including deferred maintenance and improving public access to the observation deck. Resources may include but are not limited to allocations from the Capital Improvements sales tax, other public funds, philanthropic sources, grants, and other external support.
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Approved as to form:
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Samuel Miller
Assistant City Attorney