EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, Mo. – On Thursday, November 7, 2024, the City of Excelsior Springs hosted a public charrette at the Community Center to discuss potential redevelopment ideas for the old hospital site at 410 Superior Street, a property that has been vacant for years. In partnership with Kansas State University and the Technical Assistance to Brownfields (TAB) Program, the meeting was designed to gather input and envision future uses for this landmark. Attendees included representatives from South Dakota State University’s School of Design, who will compile the collected ideas into a report that will guide future planning.
Despite the city sending out over 400 invitations, only about 15 community members attended. City Economic Development Director Melinda Mehaffy opened the meeting, providing background on the site and explaining the complexities involved in redeveloping the property. Mehaffy detailed the challenges posed by asbestos contamination, estimated at around $380,000 in remediation costs, and noted that after discussions with developers, the consensus was clear: the building, with its outdated design and seven-foot ceilings, was not salvageable and would have to be demolished to meet current standards.
The city has been collaborating with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to seek support for the project. “We’ve kept the EPA and DNR involved to ensure we’re on the right path and have access to the resources we need,” Mehaffy explained. She also announced that the city would be applying for an EPA cleanup grant, with the application due on November 14, 2024. This funding would help remove asbestos from the building—a necessary step regardless of whether the property is redeveloped or demolished.
Mehaffy added that after remediation, the city would seek additional funding, possibly through a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), to finance the demolition. “It’s a lengthy process that could take 18 months to four years, but it’s essential for a project of this scale,” she said.
The evening’s goal was to involve citizens in a brainstorming session to gather visions for the site. Tables were set up with maps of the area, where small groups discussed potential uses and prioritized ideas that would benefit the community. Facilitated by Sabrina Martin of K-State’s TAB Program, each group’s top five ideas were presented and displayed on glass windows for everyone to view. Attendees then voted for their favorite concepts, adding a collaborative aspect to the planning process.
At the public charrette, participants proposed a range of ideas for redeveloping the old hospital site, highlighting a strong interest in adding more housing options. Suggestions included cottage-style homes, mixed-use modern apartments, and affordable housing options without age restrictions. The community’s emphasis on residential development underscored the need for accessible and diverse housing in Excelsior Springs.
In addition to housing, participants suggested other creative uses, including commercial spaces like a bodega, market, and gift shop. Another popular idea was a visitor’s center with a museum component, which would serve to attract tourists and educate the public about the area’s history. A unique proposal that resonated with many attendees was for a nature conservatory on the bluff, offering scenic outlooks overlooking the park. This idea included covered pavilions and even a wedding venue, making the conservatory not only a beautiful natural space but also a potential community gathering spot.
“Everyone had the chance to pitch in with their vision for the site, from community spaces to mixed-use developments,” Martin said. “The ideas gathered tonight will be incorporated into Excelsior Springs’ comprehensive 2025 plan, with hopes that the community’s voice remains a guiding factor.”
The team also considered environmental factors, such as portions of the site lying within a floodplain. Mehaffy noted that future designs would account for this, potentially repurposing floodplain areas into parkland to make the site more attractive for redevelopment.
The city plans to hold additional public meetings as the project progresses. Citizens can keep up to date with developments on the project by following the Excelsior Citizen’s Even Calendar or by visiting the city’s website, cityofesmo.com, where details about upcoming sessions will be posted.
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