KCRag Forum

Unruh Furniture, a "handcrafted furniture" maker that has apparently been operating in Grandview is purchasing the Westminster Congregational Church at 3600 Walnut St. and will be converting it into a shop and showroom.

Sounds like it could be a great addition to the area. I'll be curious to see what they do with the space.

https://unruhfurniture.com/

http://www.kcfaith.com/3600_walnut.htm

There is a pre-demo permit out for this building.



https://compasskc.kcmo.org/EnerGov_Prod ... b=moreinfo

Please tell me it's just some light interior demo for a renovation

Critical_Mass wrote: ↑Thu Feb 18, 2021 7:17 pm Please tell me it's just some light interior demo for a renovation

I am fairly certain this permit is reserved for razing structures.

Looks like most interior demo permits are mostly under these headings.

• Interior Demolition - Commercial

• Interior Demolition - Residential

• Minor Building Work

• Miscellaneous Renovation to Commercial Building

Assistant Fire Chief Jimmy Walker said Sunday that an old church building at 3600 Walnut Street experienced a structural collapse, though he said it wasn’t a serious one.

A fire was not involved, Walker said. No other information was immediately available.

From the photo, it looks like the entire roof collapsed inside the walls. I don't know how it couldn't be a serious one though.

I've been in that building's attic. It had massive wood beams that allowed the span for the auditorium portion. If one was compromised, it would fall like a house of cards. Makes me a bit anxious now thinking about walking on them back them. I sure hope it's not a total loss. It's a nice old building.

The stained glass windows and rocks are now listed on Facebook Marketplace. Looks like it’s coming down.

Wish the city could buy the stone walls of buildings like this and place them in parks as ruins. This and the First Christ Scientist church that was at 9th and Forest would fit well overlooking Penn Valley Park or somewhere.

Many parks have these “follies” to add some character and intrigue to the landscape.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Folly

For instance, Belvedere Castle in Central Park

I drove by this morning. The sanctuary roof is open and a crane is holding up an exterior wall.

HKC is trying to rally all troops to save this bldng. Calling on people to contact Lucas, Shields and Bunch.

Wonder if Unruh will just close up or move out of the midtown location

The HKC statement is predictably awful. What a garbage organization.

Kansas City pauses plans for demolition of historic church after roof collapse

https://fox4kc.com/news/kansas-city-pau ... -collapse/

I don't see why they can't rebuild the structure like was done with the church on Westport Road after the fire gutted it.

FangKC wrote: ↑Fri Feb 26, 2021 10:40 am Kansas City pauses plans for demolition of historic church after roof collapse

https://fox4kc.com/news/kansas-city-pau ... -collapse/

I don't see why they can't rebuild the structure like was done with the church on Westport Road after the fire gutted it.

A church with a congregation probably has more $$$ backing it than a yuppie furniture shop? I mean I agree it should be saved but it’s not like their insurance will be like oh yeah we want this rebuilt.

longviewmo wrote: ↑Fri Feb 26, 2021 10:49 am
A church with a congregation probably has more $$$ backing it than a yuppie furniture shop? I mean I agree it should be saved but it’s not like their insurance will be like oh yeah we want this rebuilt.

The average congregation is 70 people with a budget of $85k

https://sites.duke.edu/ncsweb/files/201 ... _final.pdf

I know of a church that bought a commercial property years ago and they couldn't afford to be open today without it. The rent makes up a significant percentage of their budget.

church reuse into commercial or residential properties is likely the only way many of these buildings survive

longviewmo wrote: ↑Fri Feb 26, 2021 10:49 am

FangKC wrote: ↑Fri Feb 26, 2021 10:40 am Kansas City pauses plans for demolition of historic church after roof collapse

https://fox4kc.com/news/kansas-city-pau ... -collapse/

I don't see why they can't rebuild the structure like was done with the church on Westport Road after the fire gutted it.

A church with a congregation probably has more $$$ backing it than a yuppie furniture shop? I mean I agree it should be saved but it’s not like their insurance will be like oh yeah we want this rebuilt.

Isn't that the purpose of insurance?

Will cover the value of the building not the replacement cost to rebuild and duplicate an antique building.

I really hate it, but I have a feeling this building is a loss. I can’t imagine the cost of work to fix it would be worth the value of the building afterwards. Sucks.

moderne wrote: ↑Fri Feb 26, 2021 11:24 am Will cover the value of the building not the replacement cost to rebuild and duplicate an antique building.

depends on the insurance policy, governing state law, and potentially the nature of the loss (total vs partial, state law re: same, etc.). it is probably fair to say that you have accurately described the position most insurers would take, though.