Kansas City’s historic Scarritt Building (818 Grand Blvd.) and Scarritt Arcade (819 Walnut St.) sold on September 12, 2025 to an affiliate of BR Real Estate Development and UMusic Hotel Development LLC. The plan: convert the 12-story Scarritt Building into a 167-room, music-themed UMusic Hotel and deliver a broader $465 million master plan with apartments, retail, and a live music venue along Grand Boulevard.
Project Highlights
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Hotel | UMusic Hotel concept; ~167 rooms; experiential, music-centered hospitality within the historic Scarritt Building. |
| Residential | 319 luxury apartments in a new 24-story tower north of the hotel footprint. |
| Retail | ~28,000 sq ft street-activating retail and food & beverage. |
| Entertainment Venue | 1,400-seat music and entertainment venue fronting Walnut Street. |
| Total Investment | ~$465 million (multi-phase, pending approvals and incentives). |
Timeline, Incentives & Approvals
Acquisition
On September 12, 2025, an affiliate of BR Real Estate Development and UMusic Hotel Development purchased the historic Scarritt Building and conjoined Scarritt Arcade.
Incentives
In July 2025, the Port Authority of Kansas City (Port KC) signaled intent to negotiate incentives and a master MOU for the “800 Grand” plan, with additional public financing to be sought through Kansas City prior to a return to Port KC in early 2026.
Phasing
Pending approvals, developers indicate a two-phase approach, starting with the hotel, with potential delivery windows between 2026 and 2029.
Financing & Legal Context
The sellers—an affiliate of DLP Capital—took ownership via deed in lieu of foreclosure earlier in September 2025 from the former owner following a 2024 settlement and bankruptcy filings ahead of scheduled foreclosure sales. As part of the closing sequence, the developers’ affiliate secured approximately $8.8 million in short-term financing from DLP Lending Fund LLC, and a $338,971 contractor lien recorded in June 2024 was satisfied and released the day prior to the acquisition.
Why This Matters for Downtown Kansas City
Historic Preservation
The 118-year-old Scarritt complex has seen vacancy-related deterioration, including roof water issues and facade degradation. A qualified redevelopment plan is a critical lifeline for stabilizing and preserving this landmark.
Economic Catalyst
The combined hotel, residential, retail, and venue program can deepen foot traffic on Grand Boulevard, support new storefronts, and generate construction and permanent jobs.
Urban Connectivity
As BR Cos. leadership noted, the project is positioned to strengthen the corridor from the north end of Grand through the Power & Light District and T-Mobile Center—encouraging infill between existing activity nodes.
How-To: Leverage the Scarritt Redevelopment for Growth
- Map Near-Term Demand: Underwrite hospitality, retail, and mixed-use opportunities within 3–6 blocks of 818 Grand Blvd. and 819 Walnut St., prioritizing corner sites and walkable connections.
- Align With the Music Moment: Program music-forward offerings (listening rooms, vinyl shops, rehearsal/creative studios) that complement the UMusic brand and venue calendar.
- Phase Investment: Consider staggered capital deployment tied to permitting milestones and hotel construction starts to balance risk and carry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is planned for the Scarritt complex?
A 167-room UMusic Hotel inside the historic Scarritt Building, a 24-story tower with 319 apartments, ~28,000 SF of retail, and a 1,400-seat music venue.
How large is the total investment?
Approximately $465 million, to be pursued in phases pending approvals and incentives.
Who are the developers?
An affiliate of BR Real Estate Development (BR Cos.) and UMusic Hotel Development LLC.
When could construction begin?
Subject to approvals; project schedules discussed indicate potential activity between 2026 and 2029.
