A New Era Begins.
Coming soon to Kansas City's historic 18th & Vine Jazz District, the revitalized Boone Theater will once again be a beacon of culture and creativity.
It’s the return of an icon.
The Boone Theater, originally known as The New Rialto Theater when it opened in 1924, was later renamed after John W. Blind Boone. It is now an exciting historic preservation project, led by Vine Street Collaborative, that aims to transform the 1924 structure into a hub of high culture in Kansas City's Vine District.
Overlooked for decades.
The building site was converted into a theater-restaurant and bar called the Scott Theater in the early 1940s. In the 1950s, it was renovated to house a National Guard Armory. In 1970, the theatre was sold to the Mutual Musicians Foundation, who hoped to convert it into a jazz and cultural center, but the project failed due to lack of funding. The Boone Theatre is part of an ongoing restoration.
The History Of Boone Theater.
The historically significant 18th and Vine Jazz District, a center of arts and culture in the city, has faced ongoing economic and sustainability challenges. The Boone Theater, a contributing structure to the District on both the Kansas City and National Register of Historic Places.
After being boarded up in the 1950’s, the theater sat unused and as such was in drastic need of restoration; the roof had nearly collapsed and was causing water damage. City leaders and local residents knew there was little time to save the structure. To increase the livability of the larger District, cultural venues, clubs, restaurants, and public spaces needed to be reconnected.
New anchors and points of attraction were needed to further the revitalization of the area and encourage new audiences, partners and venues to the area.
Our design approach:
activate the community eco-system
Fostering design through culture.
Our approach considers a number of design factors. These include the scale of buildings, streets, and open spaces, as well as the long-term flexibility of development to accommodate growth and evolution. Additionally, we prioritize the preservation of historic assets and the design of streetscapes to create a walkable experience that connects major destinations with local businesses.
Compelling opportunities for outdoor experiences
Bringing people and ideas
together.
Boone Theater will soon offer a new outdoor experience for the 18th & Vine area, featuring curated movie showings, food, and art installations. Guests can enjoy dinner and a movie, a jazz & food pocket park, and an art hub + incubator.
Meet the Boone Theater family
Bussinesses at Boone
Meet the team.
Vine Street Collaborative
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Shomari Benton, a co-founder and partner at Benton Lloyd Chung, LLP, brings a deep commitment to urban development and historic preservation. His extensive experience in real estate law makes him a crucial asset to the Boone Theater project. Shomari’s vision focuses on ensuring that redevelopment efforts honor Kansas City’s cultural heritage while delivering tangible benefits to the local community.
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Tim Duggan, founding partner of Phronesis, has a rich background in landscape architecture and urban planning. With a career spanning public and private sectors, Tim has led numerous projects that blend ecological design with community needs. His vision for the Boone Theater project focuses on creating spaces that serve as cultural hubs, fostering both creativity and economic development. Tim’s work reflects a deep commitment to revitalizing Kansas City’s east side while preserving the history and character that make the 18th & Vine Jazz District unique
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Jason Parson, President and CEO of Parson + Associates, has a deep-rooted commitment to Kansas City’s development and revitalization. With extensive experience in managing public relations for large infrastructure and community projects, Jason has built a reputation for his ability to connect with diverse stakeholders and ensure projects stay on track. A veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and a recognized Ford Freedom Unsung Hero, Jason’s leadership is marked by a dedication to supporting veterans and underrepresented communities. His work on the Boone Theater project reflects his passion for creating spaces that honor the past while building a brighter future for Kansas City
The Vine Street Collaborative is a partnership of three visionary leaders—Tim Duggan, Jason Parson, and Shomari Benton—committed to preserving Kansas City’s cultural heritage while fostering new opportunities for growth. With deep roots in the community, this trio has led transformative redevelopment projects that merge historic preservation with forward-thinking design. Their work focuses on creating vibrant, inclusive spaces that reflect the rich history of Kansas City's 18th & Vine Jazz District.
The trio's flagship projects include the revitalization of 2000 Vine, a historic public works complex transformed into a mixed-use destination featuring offices, event spaces, and cultural hubs like Vine Street Brewing Co. and the Warren Harvey Art Gallery
This redevelopment is helping to expand the cultural corridor of the historic district, breathing new life into once-vacant structures and providing new economic and creative opportunities for local residents and businesses.
Now, as part of their continued investment in the area, the Vine Street Collaborative is spearheading the Boone Theater redevelopment. This project aims to transform the historic theater into a state-of-the-art cultural hub, featuring the Black Movie Hall of Fame, the Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City, and a range of community-focused spaces.
Together, Tim, Jason, and Shomari bring a unique blend of design, communication, and legal expertise to every project they undertake. Their shared vision is to create spaces that honor Kansas City's past while laying the foundation for a vibrant and inclusive future.