Columbia seeks input on possible McKinney Building fundraising campaign

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The City of Columbia is asking fundraising professionals to outline what a private campaign to renovate the historic McKinney Building could involve and cost. The city has not decided whether to hire a consultant or move forward with a campaign.

The city issued a request for expressions of interest on Monday. Responses are due Oct. 16. The request is meant to help the city council weigh its options; it does not commit the city to a contract or a fundraising campaign.

The city estimates the project could cost about $5.27 million, based on a feasibility study completed earlier this year. The study examined options for renovating the building at 411 E. Broadway for uses such as performances, educational programming and community gatherings.

In an emailed statement, city spokesperson Christopher Ave said the city council asked staff in April to develop recommendations for raising money privately, including through donations. He said the city’s request is intended to help council members understand what a campaign might look like and what it could cost to hire a contractor.

The request outlines two potential phases. The first, expected to take three to six months, would assess whether a campaign is feasible, estimate how much could realistically be raised and recommend a plan. A second phase could involve managing a campaign for two to five years, but only if the city authorizes it.

The city says little or no city funding is currently anticipated for the renovation. The final mix of possible support — including private donations, grants, foundation funding and tax-credit programs — has not been determined.

“There is no cost to the city associated with the [request for expressions of interest],” Ave said. “It’s important to note that no final decisions have been made. The City Council will ultimately decide whether to move forward with any renovation of the historic building.”

The building once served as a hub for Black culture in Columbia. The second-floor McKinney Hall hosted performers including Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday, according to the feasibility study. The city bought the building in 2023 after it had been vacant for about two decades.