The historic Warwick Theatre at 3927 Main Street, once an illustrious locale in KC, has been sitting vacant for 12 years, but a new epoch of glory is set to begin — both for the building and its new owner, The Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre Company.
The MET purchased the building last November and is now deep in plans and designs for its new home. McCownGordon Construction provided initial consultation and guidance. Steve McDowell and BNIM Architects are spearheading the design work.
The Warwick was built in 1912 and closed in 1953. Most recently it housed a furniture store. It is a classic, elegant space and one that offers almost unparalleled opportunities for the theater company. Its 18,000 square feet will be converted into two separate performance areas, suitable for plays as well as for regular live music performances and presentations. Weddings are on the agenda, too.
Along with structural repairs and additions, including heating, air-conditioning and elevators, acoustics are a paramount issue.
The MET’s founder, Karen Paisley, wants to retain as many as possible of the building’s original elements, while customizing the space to the needs of the theater company. There appears to be ample room for all her desires: rehearsal space, reception areas, a complete kitchen, dressing rooms, a production/factory section, storage, etc. There is even sufficient parking, including a lot behind the building, adequate on-street spaces and possible use of the St. Paul’s Church lot.
The biggest assignment now is fundraising, which will determine the opening date, anticipated for some time in 2017. A challenge grant of $125,000 from The Kemper Foundation is already in place; when more details are firmed up, Paisley and her team plan to approach the city for economic assistance. They will also be investigating historic building support, tax credits and possibly a crowdsourcing initiative.
Paisley has a rather captivating idea to stimulate fundraising, likening the theater’s progress to a series of first downs in football. Having determined that the theater’s move will cost $1,140 per foot, she envisions the MET’s website showing an NFL-like moving line so donors can see the progress toward the finish line.
There has been much to love about The Met’s current space at 3614 Main, and the company and audience alike will remember it fondly. But after suffering the worst of many floods in July 2014, the space never really recovered.
Now Paisley, The MET and the Main Street Corridor are counting on a different kind of flood — one of funds and enthusiasm and pride — to bring their new home to fruition.
Photos by Jim Barcus
