The Hall of Waters Named Semifinalist for MMSC Best Historic Preservation Project
The Hall of Waters, an architectural jewel located in the heart of Excelsior Springs, Missouri, stands as a pillar of historic preservation, representing a profound commitment by the City of Excelsior Springs to restoring and revitalizing the city’s most cherished landmark. Designed in a unique Art Deco style influenced by Mayan motifs, the Hall of Waters was constructed in 1938 as the most ambitious project of the Federal Public Works Administration. This nomination seeks to honor the monumental efforts undertaken to preserve this iconic structure, ensuring its legacy continues to enrich the community and inspire future generations.
From its inception, the Hall of Waters was an ambitious project, designed to harness and celebrate the mineral waters that defined Excelsior Springs. The building’s groundbreaking was a national event, broadcast to a wide audience, underscoring its significance from the start. Its distinctive Art Deco styling, complete with Mayan influences, is not just an aesthetic choice but a narrative one, telling the story of water’s life-giving and restorative powers. The design features such as the intricate terrazzo floors, the sprawling water bar, and the elegant symmetry of its façade are integral to its historical and cultural significance, making it a standout in Missouri’s architectural landscape.
The restoration of the Hall of Waters began in earnest with the identification of critical structural issues during a comprehensive assessment in 2014. This assessment laid the groundwork for a focused preservation strategy that would unfold over the next several years. In 2019, the city’s efforts were bolstered by securing a Save America’s Treasures grant, a testament to the building’s national significance. These funds, matched by local contributions, initially targeted visible enhancements but were quickly redirected to address urgent structural needs when further evaluations revealed deteriorating support columns and other foundational threats.
The adaptive approach to the restoration involved meticulous repairs to the building’s basement columns, which were crucial to preventing a potential collapse. This phase not only stabilized the building but also preserved the Hall of Springs, a key feature known historically as the Water Bar. The City’s commitment to authenticity involved sourcing materials that matched the original construction, despite significant challenges such as finding matching terrazzo after the original quarries had closed.
The Hall of Waters is deeply woven into the fabric of Excelsior Springs’ community life and economic vitality. Its preservation has been a community-driven effort, underscored by local surveys showing overwhelming support for the project. This engagement has been pivotal in maintaining momentum for the restoration, ensuring that the Hall remains a focal point for both residents and visitors.
The preservation has also spurred economic benefits, contributing to downtown revitalization and enhancing tourism. Events like “Lyrics on the Lawn” have brought renewed energy to the area, leveraging the Hall’s historical allure to attract visitors and locals alike. This blend of historical preservation with community and economic development exemplifies the multifaceted value of preserving such significant structures.
Looking to the future, Excelsior Springs remains committed to the ongoing preservation of the Hall of Waters. Plans are underway to further restore and repurpose the building to meet contemporary needs while retaining its historical character. This includes exploring potential uses that could see the Hall of Waters becoming a hub for cultural and commercial activities, thereby ensuring its sustainability and continued relevance in the community.
The restoration of the Hall of Waters stands as a beacon of successful historic preservation, demonstrating what can be achieved when a community rallies around its heritage. The project not only addressed the immediate structural needs of the building but also set the stage for its transformation into a vibrant centerpiece of downtown Excelsior Springs. For its historical significance, architectural uniqueness, and the exemplary preservation efforts, the Hall of Waters richly deserves the Best Historic Preservation Award. This accolade would serve as both recognition of the monumental efforts invested in the project and as an inspiration for future preservation endeavors across the nation.
We would like to recognize Courtney Cole of the Excelsior Citizen for collaborating with the Downtown Excelsior Partnership, Inc. on this award nomination. Articles and supporting documentation from the Excelsior Citizen was used in preparing this award nomination. To read those articles, please use the following links:
https://excelsiorcitizen.com/can-we-save-the-hall-of-waters
https://excelsiorcitizen.com/critical-repairs-made-to-hall-of-waters-with-more-to-come/
https://excelsiorcitizen.com/hall-of-waters-gets-much-needed-fix-just-in-time-for-the-holidays/
