Generous gift supports historic Expansion Project and challenges Kansas City community to close final gap
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (July 3, 2017) — The Harry Wilson Loose Trust, Bank of America, N.A., Trustee has awarded a $200,000 one-year grant to Union Station Kansas City, Inc., which operates as a nonprofit organization dedicated to science education, celebration of community and preservation of history.
This significant grant – along with other final sources of support being sought – will help bring successful closure to the Station’s massive $8.4 million Expansion Project that includes a multitude of guest experience enhancements and improvements.
” Union Station’s Expansion Project represents the largest construction project undertaken at the historic monument since the massive restoration and reopening in 1999,” Bob Regnier, Board Chairman – Union Station Kansas City, said. “This generous grant from the Harry Wilson Loose Trust puts us approximately $200,000 away from our total fundraising goal. This is a significant step and challenge to the Kansas City community to help us cross the finish line as we wind down the final construction phase of our project. We are proud to have earned our way into the hearts and minds of so many local and regional supporters already. One more push and we’re there.”
Over the last 18 months, Kansas City has already seen and felt the significance of this Expansion Project as various elements and phases have been completed:
New Carriage Pavilion Bridge and Pedestrian Walkway
New South Festival Plaza and Parking Improvements
Science City Outdoor Expansion featuring Simple Machines At Play
Union Station Transit Terminal Renovation and Activation Area
Haverty Family Yards Outdoor Festival and Event Area
Other Project elements soon to be complete include:
New Ticketing Center
Remodeled Regnier Extreme Screen Theatre Lobby
New Connecting Portal joining Science City, Planetarium, Extreme Screen,
Bank of America Gallery and Entrepreneurial Conference Center
Entrepreneurial Conference Center and Student Lunchroom
“This massive and important project has been embraced by supporters from all areas of the community, including businesses, foundations as well as individual Union Station Members, fans and friends,” George Guastello, president and CEO Union Station, said. “This latest and truly generous vote of confidence by the Harry Wilson Loose Trust, challenges us all to put our affection for Union Station into action to ensure its vibrancy for generations to come. It’s an honor to be the caretakers of Union Station history and the visionaries for what’s around the corner. As we’re within shouting distance of completing this project funding, we hope the community will come together in support and bring this capital campaign to a historic and successful close.”
Donors to the capital campaign to date now include the Arvin Gottlieb Charitable Foundation, Bi-State Commission, Bloch Family Foundation, Burns & McDonnell Foundation, City of Kansas City, MO, Gary Dickinson Family Charitable Foundation, Goppert Family Foundation, Hall Family Foundation, Harry Wilson Loose Trust, Michael and Marlys Haverty Family Foundation, Missouri Development Finance Board, Rainen Family Foundation, Royals Charities, Schutte Foundation, Sunderland Foundation and others.
The Harry Wilson Loose Trust, Bank of America, N.A.,Trustee has a long history of supporting a variety of projects benefiting the citizens of Kansas City, MO.
Individuals or businesses interested in being part of our Expansion Project should contact Christy Nitsche – Director of Advancement & Community Engagement – at (816) 460-2208 or [email protected].
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About Union Station Kansas City, Inc. — a 501(c)3 non-profit organization — is a 103-year-old historical landmark and celebrated civic asset renovated and reopened to the public in 1999. The organization — dedicated to science education, celebration of community and preservation of history — is home to Kansas City’s internationally-awarded Science City; the new Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium; the Regnier Extreme Screen Theatre; the popular Model Railroad Experience; H&R Block City Stage featuring live theater, and a selection of unique shops and restaurants. Union Station is also home to prominent area civic organizations and businesses, and regularly hosts world-class traveling exhibitions. Awarded “Top Banquet Facilities in KC” by KC Business Journal, the facility regularly hosts community events and private celebrations of all sizes. Visit www.unionstation.org for details. Also, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.