

Casa Di Vite, a local business in Excelsior Springs, has won a prestigious Preserve Missouri Award from the Missouri Preservation Society. Owners Susan and Ben Blaser traveled to Jefferson City to accept the award, accompanied by city councilwoman Sonya Morgan and Economic Development Director Melinda Mehaffy.
The Preserve Missouri Awards recognize outstanding efforts and projects from around the state that exemplify best practices in preservation, with suggested categories including Commercial Revitalization, Institutional/Civic Building Restoration, Neighborhood Revitalization, Residential Rehabilitation, Historic Landscape Preservation, Rural Preservation, and Preservationist-in-Action.


The former Hope Funeral Home, which had been vacant for over thirty years, was renovated and repurposed by Susan Blaser, who stabilized the building’s structural integrity, repaired the stone exterior and red roof, and installed new mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and accessibility updates.
Blaser was also able to retain and restore historic fabrics, portions of the original hardwood floors, the wooden staircase, and the original windows. Taking special care in selecting new finishes and materials, she facilitated the building’s new use as a wine-tasting venue that complemented its historical charm and character. The renamed Casa Di Vite now offers a variety of services to the Excelsior Springs area, including a wedding venue and chapel, bridal party dressing rooms, tasting rooms, and an event space.
The Missouri Preservation Society praised Casa Di Vite’s renovation efforts, saying that the business had advanced the field of historic preservation in Missouri. Along with the award, the Blasers were presented with a proclamation from State Senator Denny Hoskins.
The Blasers and their business were among eleven recipients recognized for their contributions to historic preservation in Missouri. Missouri Preservation has been recognizing people and projects that have advanced the field of Historic Preservation in Missouri for 43 years. The organization advocates for, educates about, and assists in the preservation of architectural and historic landmarks that embody Missouri’s unique heritage and sense of place.
Excelsior Springs residents and visitors alike are thrilled to see Casa Di Vite’s hard work and dedication to historic preservation recognized with this prestigious award. Congratulations to the Blasers on this well-deserved honor!


















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