Renovations have kicked off on Reconciliation Services’ historic building on the southeast corner of 31st and Troost in Kansas City, Mo.
A wall-breaking ceremony was held on April 1, 2022 to allow RS’s staff, board, project team and key funders an opportunity to grab a hard hat and sledgehammer and “break the wall” to officially commence the demolition of the facility.
The $13 million renovation includes restoring the aging building to increase access to critical social and mental health services, expanding Thelma's Kitchen (KC’s only donate-what-you-can cafe), and creating social and economic opportunities to help level the playing field for neighbors who have long been under-resourced.
The project, developed by Reconciliation Services, includes project partners Sunflower Development Group, LM2 Construction, Straub Construction, BNIM and MC Realty Group.
“Straub is deeply passionate about serving others and strengthening our community, so this is the ideal project and partnership for us. This renovation is imperative for Reconciliation Services to expand their services, ultimately reaching more people. It’s an honor to play a part in bringing their vision to life,” said Ernie Straub III, CEO & Chairman of Straub Construction.
For more than 30 years, Reconciliation Services has worked to address the root causes of the economic and racial disparities facing individuals in the urban core of Kansas City, Mo., specifically striving to reach its neighbors living in the ten neighborhoods east of Troost Avenue - Kansas City’s historic economic and racial dividing line - as they face the highest rates of poverty, poor physical and mental health outcomes, violence, lack of education and lack of access to life-stabilizing resources.
Additionally, the organization strives to bring its surrounding community together from different socioeconomic and racial backgrounds in an effort to create meaningful community connections that can lead to reconciliation.
Program expansion and building upgrades include:
Doubling social services and therapy program spaces
Expanding and reopening Thelma’s Kitchen and adding economic community growth through jobs and workforce development in the cafe and through
Thelma’s Box Lunch Catering
Modernizing safety and fire systems
An outdoor therapy garden on the new 5th floor
Increasing ADA accessibility, including a modern elevator
Increasing sustainability & adding solar power
A rooftop patio
Funding to date has been supported by NMTCs, donors and a capital campaign.
“We have been working with Father Justin since 2020 to help raise $10.5 million of New Market Tax Credits (NMTCs) from Enterprise Bank & Trust and Capital One with the net result of almost $3 million to help the project come to fruition,” said Chris Vukas, director of economic development for Sunflower Development Group.
To donate, or learn more about the cause, please visit RevealStrength.org. The project is scheduled for a summer 2023 completion date.
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Feature rendering credit: BNIM.