Two Downtown Excelsior Springs Businesses Are Recipients of the Paul Bruhn Grant
The Downtown Excelsior Partnership, Inc. (DEP) is proud to announce that two significant properties have been awarded the prestigious Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization subgrant from Missouri Main Street Connection (MMSC) and the National Park Service. These grants are a vital part of preserving the rich historical and architectural heritage of our community.
The Colonial Hotel
The Colonial Hotel has been awarded $45,000 to secure the exterior of this landmark building, preventing further interior damage from water infiltration and other elements. This 1924 hotel, a significant piece of Excelsior Springs’ history, has been closed since 1979. The grant will facilitate the restoration of the roof, the reconstruction of the patio, and the securing of its 78 historic windows. Susan Blaser, the awardee, will also invest a minimum of ten percent of the grant amount towards the project.
Susan Blaser shared, “The Colonial Hotel speaks for itself: a roof to stop water infiltration, patio reconstruction to secure the front structure and columns, and storm windows to protect the weather from destroying the cold rolled glass windows. To save a piece of history that much wants to be saved.”
Upon completion, The Colonial Hotel will once again open its doors to guests, contributing to local tourism, creating jobs, and generating revenue, while preserving an important piece of our architectural heritage.
311 S. Thompson Avenue – Future Home of Salty Swine Meats
The 311 S. Thompson property has been awarded $50,000 to repair and rehabilitate this historic building, which has been a part of our community since 1913. The funds will address significant issues including windows, stucco, and masonry. Marcus Mccreary, the recipient, will also contribute at least ten percent of the grant amount towards the project.
Marcus Mccreary expressed, “We will be able to ensure that the repairs are completed quickly and correctly to preserve a building that has been a part of our community for more than 100 years. The funds would also expedite the opening of a business in the space that is currently severely underutilized.”
This project will restore a once vibrant building that housed various businesses over the decades, allowing it to be fully utilized again and enhancing the economic vitality of our downtown area.
“We are thrilled to see The Colonial Hotel and 311 S. Thompson Avenue receive these well-deserved grants. These projects are not only about preserving our past but also about investing in the future of Downtown Excelsior Springs. The revitalization of these historic buildings will significantly contribute to our community’s growth and prosperity,” said Lyndsey M. Baxter.
These grants were made possible with assistance from the Historic Preservation Fund, administered by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior under Grant Number P23AP01967. Opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of the Interior.
About National Park Service
Since 1916, the National Park Service (NPS) has led the preservation of America’s natural and cultural resources. The NPS, in partnership with others, takes care of the national parks and helps Americans care for their communities through the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF). The HPF, authorized through 2023, uses revenue from federal oil and gas leases to support preservation projects without expending tax dollars.
About Missouri Main Street Connection
Missouri Main Street Connection (MMSC) is the leading statewide nonprofit organization devoted to preservation-based economic development. Through the Main Street America™ movement, MMSC empowers community revitalization by celebrating and sustaining Missouri’s historic commercial districts. Since 2005, MMSC has fostered thriving communities with over $1 billion in public and private investment.
About the Downtown Excelsior Partnership, Inc.
The Downtown Excelsior Partnership, Inc. is a nationally and stated accredited Main Street non-profit organization dedicated to the revitalization and growth of Downtown Excelsior Springs. Through collaboration with business owners, local government, and the community, DEP works to enhance economic development, cultural vitality, and the overall quality of life in the downtown area.
For more information about the Downtown Excelsior Partnership, Inc. and upcoming events, please visit VisitExcelsior.com.
Contact
Name: Lyndsey M. Baxter
Title: Executive Director
Phone: 816-719-9912
Email: exec@visitesprings.com
Website: VisitExcelsior.com
