Kemper Arena will soon be nominated for the National Register of Historic Places. Such a designation would qualify it for historic tax credits. That’s a key part of the financing to convert the building into a new mecca for amateur sports.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing this process wind up in a positive way. It’s been a long road,” said historic preservation consultant Elizabeth Rosin, who prepared the application for Foutch Brothers, the development company that Kansas City government officials have selected to try to save and repurpose Kemper Arena in the West Bottoms.

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The nomination notes that Kemper was an exceptional civic and community resource and a perfect multipurpose “expression of the times” in midcentury America.

Now, Rosin points out, many old arenas have been demolished, replaced by more elaborate entertainment and sports palaces emphasizing luxury suites and amenities. They cater to the affluent and are less egalitarian.

“Not everyone could enjoy the luxury facilities, and rising ticket prices reduced the number of events that most patrons could afford to attend,” the nomination says. “The public purpose of the arena was lost for the sake of securing the revenue stream demanded by the professional sports teams.”

That’s why it’s doubly important to preserve Kemper Arena, Rosin says, adding in the nomination, “The nationwide loss of mid-twentieth century multipurpose arenas enhances the rarity and significance of Kemper as an example of its property type.”

Source: Kemper Arena could gain crucial spot on National Register of Historic Places | The Kansas City Star