Epperson House to Be Transformed into Boutique Hotel

News Summary

The historic Epperson House at UMKC is set to be converted into a boutique hotel, featuring 14 luxurious rooms, a café, restaurant, and spa. After years of neglect, plans for revitalization are underway, supported by local developers and wellness programming in a historic setting.

Exciting Changes Ahead for Kansas City: Epperson House Set to Become a Boutique Hotel

The vibrant city of Kansas City is abuzz with the thrilling news that the historic Epperson House on the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) campus is set for an exciting transformation into a boutique hotel! Nestled at 5200 Cherry St, this stunning Tudor-Gothic mansion has captivated locals since its construction in the early 1920s by Uriah Epperson, a prominent insurance executive and philanthropist.

History Wrapped in Elegance

The Epperson House is not your average home. With a grand total of 54 rooms spread across four magnificent stories, it resembles a fairy-tale castle just waiting to come back to life. Originally built at a cost of $500,000—equivalent to over $8 million today—this mansion has an awe-inspiring history intertwined with its walls. It boasts unique features such as an indoor swimming pool, custom-built organ, elevators, and even a basement tunnel that connects its two wings.

Sadly, Uriah Epperson passed away in 1927, followed by his wife, Mary, in 1939. In 1942, the house was generously gifted to UMKC by an associate of Uriah. Over the decades, the house has served various purposes including being utilized as a dorm space and a practice venue for conservatory musicians. However, due to the costly repairs needed to meet accessibility standards, the Epperson House has sat vacant for over a decade.

Revitalization Plans in Motion

The recent years weren’t kind to the Epperson House, which even found itself listed among Historic Kansas City’s most endangered locations. Thankfully, in 2023, UMKC decided to breathe new life into the old mansion by seeking proposals from developers, eager to bring back its former glory. Fast forward to today, we’ve learned that a development agreement has been secured with Sunflower Development Group and hospitality specialist Jen Gulvik, who are gearing up to transform the mansion into a charming 14-room hotel.

What’s in Store for the New Boutique Hotel?

Wondering what the new Epperson House hotel will offer? The plans include a delightful café, a full-service restaurant, a cozy library bar, and event space, as well as a relaxing hydrothermal spa that promises a variety of wellness treatments. Local developers are hard at work with their partners, Generator Studio and Heritage Consulting Group, to ensure every detail is perfect. This project is not just a renovation but a transformative journey that could cost millions, with the development team looking for financing and historic tax credits to cover expenses.

A Touch of the Supernatural

haunted history. Stories of ghostly encounters date back to World War II when Navy cadets reported unusual occurrences, including sightings of a ghostly woman and mysterious organ music echoing through the halls. Among these supernatural tales is that of Harriet Barse, an organ student who tragically passed away right before she could play the home’s exquisite organ. Over the years, locals have delighted in the eerie escapades through Halloween-themed tours led by Chris Wolff, a passionate historian of the house.

A Community Hub with Wellness at Heart

Alongside luxurious accommodations, the new hotel seeks to introduce programming centered around wellness and nature. Visitors might find bliss in outdoor yoga sessions on the lush lawn or enjoy quiet moments of relaxation in what promises to be a community hub connecting UMKC and its surroundings. As the restoration of the Epperson House takes shape, anticipation builds for the return of this architectural gem to Kansas City.

So mark your calendars and prepare to embrace the next chapter in the illustrious story of the Epperson House—new adventures and enriching experiences await!

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HERE Resources

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Additional Resources

• Kansas City Star
• Wikipedia: Epperson House
• Fox 4 KC
• Google Search: Epperson House Kansas City
• KCTV5
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Epperson House
• KSHB
• Google News: Epperson House transformation
• KCToday

Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER

The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.