Noland Rd to become 76 Country Music Blvd
Posted: Tue Jan 20, 2004 7:45 pm
YEE-HAW!!!
Branson-style theater in store for Independence
The Business Journal of Kansas City
A country singer and songwriter plans to open a 450-seat, Branson-style theater in Independence in a former Bally Total Fitness building.
Native Kansas Citian Rick West plans to open the Rick West Theatre and Convention Center near Interstate 70 and Noland Road in mid-March, said April LaJune, the theater's director of promotions. The theater will have two ballrooms and a variety of music.
West plans to spend about $450,000 of his money to renovate the former Bally building at 13801 E. 42nd Terrace, LaJune said. Renovation started in August.
The theater will have about 50 part-time and full-time employees, LaJune said.
West is negotiating to buy the building for an undisclosed amount, she said. Prieb Properties in Lenexa owns the building. An official at Prieb Properties couldn't be reached for comment.
West owned a theater in Branson last year, LaJune said. He's been a singer and songwriter in Nashville and Memphis for 17 years, she said.
"I think it's got great potential," said Rick Hemmingsen, president and CEO of the Independence Chamber of Commerce. "We have quite an extensive tourist program. It just adds to the renovation on Noland Road, and that would increase property values. We know for a fact that music venues are very popular."
Branson-style theater in store for Independence
The Business Journal of Kansas City
A country singer and songwriter plans to open a 450-seat, Branson-style theater in Independence in a former Bally Total Fitness building.
Native Kansas Citian Rick West plans to open the Rick West Theatre and Convention Center near Interstate 70 and Noland Road in mid-March, said April LaJune, the theater's director of promotions. The theater will have two ballrooms and a variety of music.
West plans to spend about $450,000 of his money to renovate the former Bally building at 13801 E. 42nd Terrace, LaJune said. Renovation started in August.
The theater will have about 50 part-time and full-time employees, LaJune said.
West is negotiating to buy the building for an undisclosed amount, she said. Prieb Properties in Lenexa owns the building. An official at Prieb Properties couldn't be reached for comment.
West owned a theater in Branson last year, LaJune said. He's been a singer and songwriter in Nashville and Memphis for 17 years, she said.
"I think it's got great potential," said Rick Hemmingsen, president and CEO of the Independence Chamber of Commerce. "We have quite an extensive tourist program. It just adds to the renovation on Noland Road, and that would increase property values. We know for a fact that music venues are very popular."
