Boone Theater Reopens After $8.7M Redev

0:00The Boone Theatre in Kansas City's 18th and Vine Historic Jazz District is set to reopen on May 1 after an $8.7 million redevelopment. This nearly century old spot first opened in 1924 and named for pianist John Blind Boone has sat mostly empty for decades. Expect a ribbon cutting at 2pm, followed by a community open house from 3 to 5pm, tying right into first Friday crowds. Knows from Vine Street Collaborative, led by folks with deep roots in the area like Jason Parson, Shomari Vinson, and Tim Duggan kicked off. Major work, last October after years of planning, funding hunts, and environmental checks. They tackled tough historic preservation issues while updating the place for today's needs. All the mid-bigger street upgrades like the 18th Street, pedestrian mall. Locals and leaders see this as a big win for the district's black cultural legacy right next to the Negro League's baseball museum and American jazz. Museum.

1:00It's filling a void for steady events, think movies, concerts, stage shows, weddings that have been scarce lately, boosting foot traffic and community, vibes, inside. You'll find fresh perks like a new sound system, movie screen, bar area, and spots for performers, plus student art displays linking past two. Future. The black movie Hall of Fame is coming later, once fundraising wraps up. This reopening spotlights, real momentum in 18th and Vine, proving investment can breathe life into historic gems and draw folks year round four. Whatever's next, I'm Corey with the story. That's your Kansas News Today update, AI powered and always on.