FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 8, 2007

Capital Improvements Management Office wins historic preservation award

The Missouri Alliance for Historic Preservation recognized the City of Kansas City, Mo., Capital Improvements Management Office on March 8 for the recently completed exterior restoration and related planning efforts for Corinthian Hall. Corinthian Hall, commonly known as the Kansas City Museum, is located at 3218 Gladstone Blvd. in Kansas City, Mo.

The 2007 Missouri Preservation Honor Awards Ceremony was held in the State Capitol Rotunda in Jefferson City. The exterior restoration of Corinthian Hall included cleaning, repairing and restoring the 96-year-old building's roof and masonry. The Capital Improvements Management Office managed the extensive restoration to the museum, which is one of Kansas City's architectural treasures. International Architects Atelier was the design professional for these improvements and MTS Contracting Inc. completed the renovations.

The original six-building estate was built in 1910 by Robert A. Long, a Kansas City lumber baron. In 1948, the Kansas City Museum Association donated the entire estate to the City of Kansas City, Mo., which is responsible for maintenance of the property. The estate has faced decades of harsh weather and limited maintenance, increasing the urgency of its comprehensive renovation. The Kansas City Museum occupies the five remaining original buildings of the estate, including the 70-room mansion, carriage house, caretaker's house, carpenters' workshop and conservatory.

Missouri Alliance for Historic Preservation annually honors individuals, groups and organizations that have contributed to the preservation of Missouri's rich and diverse collection of historic resources. Awards are given to outstanding projects in commercial and residential rehabilitation, neighborhood revitalization, landscape protection and archaeology. Missouri Alliance for Historic Preservation is the only statewide non-profit organization dedicated to promoting, supporting and coordinating historic preservation activities in Missouri.

Media inquiries and other requests for more information about these issues should be directed to Donna Mandelbaum, Capital Improvements Management Office, (816) 513-2757.