Historic Kansas City Club Expected to Reopen in December as ‘Urban Resort’

By Kevin Collison

The historic Kansas City Club at 918 Baltimore Ave. is being renovated to become an “urban resort” by the Denver investor who bought the property at a bankruptcy auction two years ago.

Craig Slawson is spending about $500,000 to restore many of the interior spaces of the four-story building, which opened in 1922 as the University Club and merged with the former Kansas City Club in 2001. The facility closed in May 2015.

“We’re converting it to become an urban resort,” he said. “We want to keep the old and add new features, making it traditional yet modern.”

The Kansas City Club will be marketed for corporate events and weddings, and has a capacity of up to 300 people. The management firm Shining Stars Catering will be handling the leasing. The space can be expanded to include the La Rue Building next door at 908 Baltimore for larger events.

Slawson’s real estate entity, Epoch Development, purchased the Kansas City Club and LaRue building and a large portfolio of other properties including several in the River Market and the Martini Corner area of midtown along 31st Street.

The first floor of the building will include a spa and fitness facility. The second and third floors will be used as event space. The bar will be expanded, the kitchen renovated and historic rooms including the Crystal Room, 1212 Club and Owl Club will be part of the club’s new future.

Some of the Kansas City Club spaces will be open to the public.

“The first level Spa, Pilates and Art Gallery are all public-welcome spaces,” Slawson said. “As to the bar and any food service I do hope to get there soon pending demand.”

Slawson said the project is expected to be completed in December.