© 2024 Kansas City Public Radio
NPR in Kansas City
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Union Station Wants Upgrades, Tax Credits

Union Station's board of directors says the 98-year-old landmark has turned the corner financially and it's time for some improvements.

 

The city council votes today on endorsing $5 million in tax breaks to help make that happen.

 

Union Station CEO George Guastello told a council committee it's a different day from when Science City struggled to support the massive 98-year-old landmark. And what made the difference is that the office space at station is now 100 percent occupied.

 

“Now the building is supporting itself," he said, " and now the science center can grow and do what it needs to do and that is to inspire and educate students and make them math and science proficient.”

 

The $10.7 million project include improvements to visitor access, a festival area, a multipurpose area with an expanded 3-D, interactive digital theater, and visitor access improvements.

 

The city's permission is required for station officials to apply for the $5 million in state tax credits.

Update: Thursday, November 8, 2012

The council on Thursday gave its final approval for Union Station officials to apply for $5 million in Missouri tax credits to help pay for planned improvements.

KCUR prides ourselves on bringing local journalism to the public without a paywall — ever.

Our reporting will always be free for you to read. But it's not free to produce.

As a nonprofit, we rely on your donations to keep operating and trying new things. If you value our work, consider becoming a member.