A Jazz District Icon Returns

The Boone Theater project, located at 1701 E. 18th Street, is an exciting historic preservation venture reimagining the 1924 structure into an epicenter of high culture in Kansas City's Vine District. Sitting across the street from the Gem Theater and the American Jazz and Negro Leagues Baseball Museums, "The Boone" will house digital media labs, dinner theaters, The Black Movie Hall of Fame, The Black Repertory Theater of Kansas City ("BRTKC"), The Gem Theater Cultural Foundation, amongst others. The Vine Street Collaborative team is excited to reweave this project into the broader fabric of the historic Vine District.

Reviving History, Building the Future

The Boone Theater redevelopment is more than just a renovation; it’s a commitment to honoring our past while creating a dynamic future. After decades of disuse, this project will transform the 45,000-square-foot structure into a multi-functional cultural hub. Led by the Vine Street Collaborative, the restored theater will host the Black Movie Hall of Fame, the Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City, digital media labs, and vibrant community spaces. This transformation aims to reconnect the theater with its neighborhood, making it a focal point for cultural expression and economic revitalization​

The Visionaries Behind the Project

The Boone Theater’s redevelopment is led by the Vine Street Collaborative, a partnership of community-focused leaders including Shomari Benton, Tim Duggan, and Jason Parson. Each partner brings deep expertise in urban development and a passion for cultural preservation. Their vision is to create a space where history meets innovation, offering opportunities for local artists, residents, and visitors alike. With a combined commitment to the neighborhood’s growth, the Vine Street Collaborative is dedicated to making Boone Theater a place of pride for Kansas City.