First Significant Commitment for the Station’s Expansion Project taps MDFB funds
KANSAS CITY, MO – Union Station announced today a gift pledge of more than $4 million from the Hall Family Foundation to support Union Station’s improvement plan, which will enhance Kansas City’s Science Center, Science City, its exhibits, programs and facilities.
The funds will be used in conjunction with the Missouri Development Finance Board (MDFB) tax credit incentive program that allows area corporations and other funders to make contributions for the benefit of Union Station Kansas City and receive in exchange Missouri tax credits. Under the program Hall Family Foundation plans to resell their associated $1.5 million in Missouri tax credits and give the additional proceeds to Union Station Kansas City to improve visitor access and other infrastructure at the Station. This contribution will be in addition to the $3 million lead gift.
“The Hall Family Foundation is pleased to support Union Station during its Centennial Celebration, Don Hall, chairman, said. “We hope that the Station’s improvement plans will provide the underpinning for growth and progress over the next 100 years of this Kansas City landmark.”
The combined pledges from the Foundation will provide approximately one half of the funds needed for the entire Union Station improvement project. Following this gift pledge from the Hall Family Foundation, Union Station now has $750,000 in tax credits available to other Missouri corporations or funders interested in investing in this improvement project.
“We value the generous support of the Hall Family Foundation as the first and lead funder on Union Station’s improvement plan and believe their endorsement will encourage others to follow,” Bob Regnier, chairman of the board, Union Station Kansas City Inc., said. “This gift emphasizes the importance of the project and the ability to continue to improve Union Station’s Science Center programs and support infrastructure improvements which will benefit all who work or visit here.”
The endorsement and major investment by the State of Missouri, and now the Hall Family Foundation, for this initiative demonstrate the significant impact Union Station and its Science Center continues to have on STEM education, tourism and entrepreneurial development in the Kansas City community.
“We are extremely grateful to the members of the Missouri Development Finance Board,” George Guastello, Union Station president and CEO, said. “Thanks to their support and the Hall Family Foundation’s generosity, we will be able to add educational programs that will enhance our Science Center and improve access which will translate into an even greater experience for all visitors who come to Union Station annually.”
About Union Station Kansas City, Inc. Union Station Kansas City is a historical landmark and civic asset renovated and reopened to the public in 1999 that will celebrate its Centennial anniversary on Oct. 30, 2014. The organization, driven by its mission of science and history education and entertainment, hosts a variety of world-class traveling exhibits. Union Station is first North American site for the fascinating exhibit, “The Discovery of King Tut.” Union Station also is the home several other attractions, including Kansas City’s Science Center; the popular Model Railroad Experience; the Gottlieb Planetarium; the Regnier Extreme Screen Theatre, the region’s largest screen 3D movie theater; H&R Block City Stage featuring live theater, and a selection of unique shops, restaurants. Union Station is also home to prominent area civic organizations and businesses. Visit www.unionstation.org for details.
About Hall Family Foundation The Hall Family Foundation is a private philanthropic organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of human life. Programs that enrich the community, help people and promote excellence are considered to be of prime importance. The Foundation views its primary function as that of a catalyst. It seeks to be responsive to programs that are innovative; yet strive to create permanent solutions to community needs in the Greater Kansas City area. For more information about the Hall Family Foundation, visit www.hallfamilyfoundation.org.