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Englewood Theater Project

An Overview

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The Idea

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Restore two landmark properties to new glory, building community engagement in a neighborhood where creative energy

is resurgent and already actively at work.

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Property

Sales Price

Closing Date

Theater & parking lot

$600,000

May 30, 2025

Ben Franklin

$250,000

Jan. 30, 2026

Total

$850,000

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The Purchase Price

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The Properties

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  • 600+ seat Art Deco theater with a 50-foot Cinemascope screen, and adjacent parking lot

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  • Ben Franklin 5 & 10, a historic 24,000 square-foot former retail space

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The Buyer

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Friends of Englewood Theater

Missouri non-profit

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Truman Heartland Community Foundation�Current fiscal agent

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Founding Board

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Brent Schondelmeyer

President

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Barbara Martin

Vice President

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April Preston

Secretary

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Steve Israelite

Treasurer

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Next Steps�

  • Secure financing for closing
  • Obtain National Register designation
  • Apply for 501(c)3 designation
  • Complete feasibility study
  • Promote the project

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National Register of Historic Places�

  • Theater identified in 2000 historic resource survey as eligible for National Register
  • Heritage Consulting currently working on application (draft early summer)
  • Designation makes the theater eligible for 35% state historic preservation tax credits

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National Register Process

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9-12 month process

  • April - Draft application submitted
  • July - Advisory Council for Historic Preservation considers application
  • October - Expected listing on National Register

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Tax Credits

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  • Tax credits are key to redevelopment
  • Have a Letter of Intent from Commerce Bank to purchase $1.4 million in tax credits �(based on $4 million in qualified rehab cost)
  • Tax credits CAN NOT be used for acquisition costs

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Publicity

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  • Examiner article
  • Television coverage
  • Website - 2,400 hits (03/20/25)
  • Newsletter
  • Community presentations

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Feasibility Study

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  • Selected and paid by city
  • Look at market needs
  • Potential operating costs
  • Potential uses for theater

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The Arts District

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  • Anchored by arts center studios, events, and education

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  • Vibrant neighborhood of historic homes, small shops, art galleries

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  • Close to business district, with easy connecting access from KC

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Get Involved

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  • Third Friday table
  • Sign up for newsletter updates
  • Like us on FaceBook
  • Make a donation
  • Something else

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Friends of Englewood Theater offices

@Englewood Art Center

10901 E. Winner Road

Independence, Mo. 64-52

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Temporary Offices

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Friends of Englewood Theater

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@Englewood Art Center

10901 E. Winner Road

Independence, Mo. 64052

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Thanks Englewood Arts

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Your thoughts?

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Your ideas?

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Friends of Englewood Theater

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www.englewoodtheater.org

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info.englewoodtheater.org

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