Northeast News
Jan. 8, 2016

KANSAS CITY, Missouri — The Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences (KCU), will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the opening of its newly renovated administration building at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 12 at 1750 Independence Ave.

Originally home to the first Children’s Mercy Hospital, the 100-year-old building was purchased in 1971 by the KCU Alumni Association. According to a press release from KCU, the 16-month renovation was completed this past December, resulting in a more modern facility that also retains its classic appearance. The newly remodeled Administration Building now includes the Walker Family Welcome Center, the Board Room and 11 departments, housing approximately 70 members of KCU faculty and staff. More than one mile of wood from the original building was salvaged and re used. The project will be LEED certified at the Silver level.

The Administration Building ribbon cutting serves as the kickoff event for KCU’s 2016 Centennial celebration. Heading into its 100th year, KCU will commemorate its past and celebrate the next century of education, impact and success through numerous activities, including hosting Nobel Prize Laureate Dr. Randy Schekman on Campus Research Day.

The Administration Building also features or once featured:

• Artwork donated by Rita Blitt, a local artist nationally known with a lifelong interest in the performing arts.
• A third floor conference room that was originally an operating room with a skylight to allow for natural light during surgeries.
• An electric refrigerator donated to Mercy Hospital by Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth from money raised in a barnstorming game they played on Oct. 15, 1927 at Muehlebach Field in Kansas City, Mo.

The event will feature several speakers followed by building tours starting at 12:15 p.m.