KANSAS CITY’S IRISH COMMUNITY

Your history. Your home.

We are creating a vibrant Irish-inspired event space designed to accommodate a variety of community events, engaging programming, and flexible rental opportunities.

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Stewardship

We take great pride in being stewards of Irish culture in Kansas City, but also ambassadors for our neighborhood and caretakers of our historic building. We view this capital campaign as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to profoundly advance those causes.

  • The Irish Center was originally called the Irish Museum and Cultural Center and that museum aspect has been dormant since we moved from our original home in Union Station. Revitalizing the museum aspect of the Irish Center is a wonderful way to reconnect with the roots of our organization. Bringing those displays and memorabilia out of storage will not only honor the past but also educate and inspire future generations.

  • Since 2016 when we bought Drexel Hall, we have seen profound changes to our area of the city. The streetcar construction, while exciting and driving development, has also caused uncertainty and disruption that has led to vacant buildings and lots. We are steadfast in our commitment to our neighborhood even with the deterioration of neighboring commercial properties.

    We take pride in hosting meetings including monthly Midtown KC Now and occasional Old Hyde Park neighborhood meetings to discuss neighborhood issues. Other organizations that have used our Hall: AdHoc Group KC Against Crime, Journey to New Life, Strive for Life Foundation, and WIRED (Women in Real Estate Development). We are committed to helping shape a positive future for our area of Midtown.

  • We are a strong, woman-led organization that takes great pride in being caretakers of Drexel Hall, a pioneering building built by Barbara Drexel Besher in 1910. Since our purchase of the building in 2016, we have invested roughly $500,000 into its infrastructure and appearance. The investments we’ve made and the support from local trade unions highlight a collective effort to maintain this historic building.

    The planned renovations, including the restoration of the arched stained-glass windows and the enhancement of the streetscape, will undoubtedly make Drexel Hall a treasured landmark in Midtown.

Our vision for the Irish Center as a hub for culture, community, and history is a tribute to our heritage and a lasting gift to our community. This capital campaign is indeed a once-in-a-generation opportunity. Dreaming big, much like Barbara Drexel did, will surely lead to a bright and impactful future for the Irish Center.

Benefits

The new Irish-inspired event space offers numerous benefits that can significantly enhance the Irish Center and its impact on the community.

    • Allows for a broader range of programs and events, including smaller, more intimate gatherings and performances.

    • Provides a dedicated space for educational and cultural activities, enriching the overall offering of the center.

    • Attracts different types of performers and events, from music and comedy to theater and spoken word, catering to varied interests.

    • Enables the center to host more frequent events, keeping the community engaged and entertained.

    • Offers a meeting and event space for local Irish organizations, fostering collaboration and community spirit.

    • Highlights the contributions of these organizations, strengthening community pride and identity.

    • Increases rental opportunities for private events such as parties, corporate meetings, and social gatherings.

    • Acts as an additional venue for larger events, providing flexibility and increasing overall capacity.

    • Helps generate additional income to support the Center's mission and activities.

This new space is not just a physical remodeling but a strategic enhancement that will enable the Irish Center to thrive and continue its mission of celebrating and promoting Irish culture. It's an exciting development that promises to bring the community together in new and meaningful ways.

Design Considerations

This Irish event space will create a unique and inviting atmosphere that truly reflects the spirit of Irish culture and hospitality. The authentic experience and warmth of an Irish pub are sure to make any event special and memorable.

  • Incorporate wooden furniture, vintage signs, Celtic artwork, and cozy lighting to create an authentic ambiance.

  • Use warm colors, comfortable seating, and an inviting layout to make guests feel at home.

  • Display memorabilia, historical photos, and artifacts that celebrate Irish heritage and the contributions of local Irish organizations.

  • Include a small stage for live music and performances to enhance the pub experience.

  • Include a custom-crafted bar featuring Irish and local Kansas City products and catering facilities to provide refreshments and enhance the event experience.

  • The space will have high-speed internet, projectors, tvs, sound systems, and any other necessary technological tools.

  • The space is on the ground floor and is accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities.

This new space is poised to become a beloved hub for the community, where people can enjoy the camaraderie and warmth that Irish pubs are known for. It's a wonderful addition that will undoubtedly make the Irish Center even more special.

Renderings courtesy of Slattery Design + Architecture

Help us make this space a reality!

CONTACT US

For more information about this project and how you can help, please feel free to contact us.