Mark & Brenda Kilgore (414 Company) Named Semifinalist for Outstanding Economic Impact Project
We nominate Mark and Brenda Kilgore for the Outstanding Economic Impact Project Award in recognition of their transformative impact on 414 S. Thompson, now known as 414 Company. This nomination underscores their commitment to revitalizing the Thompson Avenue corridor in Downtown Excelsior Springs, an endeavor that has significantly propelled local economic and social revitalization.
The journey began when Brenda Kilgore, driven by a vision for a vibrant retail environment on Thompson Avenue, took proactive steps to transform an underutilized property that had changed hands multiple times without reaching its full potential. Under the Kilgore’s ownership, this property has blossomed into a bustling hub of commerce and community engagement, known as 414 Company.
Mark and Brenda’s redevelopment of this 30,000 square foot space has been nothing short of transformative. The ground level floor is now home to four distinct retail establishments: Kilgore’s Vintage & Design II, Butterfly Kisses Boutique, Home Cottage by Cath Scadden, and Vesta Hearth & Home. This diversification not only caters to a wide consumer base but also draws significant foot traffic, revitalizing retail activity and contributing robustly to the local economy.
A testament to their commitment to collaborative growth is the creation of partnerships between the businesses within 414 Company and surrounding businesses. These partnerships involve mutual promotions and discounts that not only foster a strong community spirit but also encourage cross-promotion and shared customer bases. This strategic networking enhances the overall business environment and increases consumer traffic throughout the district.
In addition to retail space, the upstairs features a certified kitchen, supporting entrepreneurs which furthers the diversification of the economic contributions of 414 Company. This space serves as an incubator for culinary innovation, providing local small businesses to create and share their culinary ventures.
The strategic use of the lower level, situated in a flood plain and thus challenging to utilize year-round, exemplifies the Kilgore’s innovative approach to space management. This area hosts large-scale pop-up vintage markets twice a year, drawing attendees from across the Midwest and significantly boosting local commerce during these events. Furthermore, this space has successfully hosted the Christmas Farmers Market and is set to regularly house the Farmers Markets starting in 2024, enhancing its role as a community gathering spot.
Mark and Brenda are not resting just yet; their vision for 414 Company includes ambitious future projects that promise to further enhance its impact. Plans to convert part of the main level into an event center and transform the upstairs into overnight accommodations are underway. These enhancements will not only maximize the building’s use, but will also attract new visitors, further transforming Downtown Excelsior Springs into a destination for both local and regional visitors.
The ongoing commitment of the Kilgores to the economic and cultural revitalization of Thompson Avenue is commendable. They have proven that with creativity, dedication, and a deep commitment to community values, substantial change is possible. Their work has not only transformed a key property, formally considered a white elephant, but has also sparked a broader revitalization of the Thompson Avenue area, setting a precedent for future development projects.
The 414 Company project under Mark and Brenda’s leadership exemplifies the spirit and objectives of the Missouri Main Street Connection Outstanding Economic Impact Project Award. It is an example of innovation, community engagement, and economic revitalization that deserves recognition and emulation.
