Excelsior Springs, MO – Renovation plans for the former Mill Inn restaurant in downtown Excelsior Springs have ballooned since new owners Chuck and Sonia Duckworth purchased the property last year. The iconic restaurant, a fixture on the corner of Kansas City and St. Louis Avenues for over five decades, will reopen later this year under a new banner, “The Springs,” offering a family-friendly dining experience.
The Duckworths had hoped for a straightforward renovation but encountered structural issues when replacing the roof. “We hadn’t planned to replace the trusses,” Chuck Duckworth said, “but once the crew got started, the old ones were simply beyond saving.” The new roof will feature lightweight synthetic clay tiles designed to resemble the original material, preserving the building’s historic aesthetic while reducing stress on the structure.
The project will include a dedicated pickup window at the restaurant’s distinctive octagonal structure, allowing customers to easily order takeout meals. “This will be a huge convenience for busy families,” Duckworth explained. “They can grab a delicious and affordable meal on the go without having to worry about finding a table or keeping everyone entertained while they wait.” The takeout window also offers a practical benefit, adding a layer of protection to the business in the event of another situation like the pandemic, where people are unable to dine out. Other features of the plan include outdoor seating and a large fountain.
The familiar Mill Inn sign came down on Tuesday evening, June 4th, sparking a mix of reactions from the community. Taking down the Mill Inn sign wasn’t an easy decision for the Duckworths. The hefty sign, weighing in at over half a ton, posed a significant safety hazard, especially with the stormy weather that rolled through overnight on Tuesday. Inspectors advised immediate removal to prevent a potential collapse and injuries.
The Duckworths wanted to reuse the sign, but once it was down, extensive rust damage was discovered on its top and sides. The crew was able to salvage the black-and-white “Mill Inn” portion of the sign, which was painted on sheet metal. The Duckworths said they plan to contact Excelsior Springs Museum and Archives to donate that portion of the sign, ensuring a piece of the restaurant’s history is preserved.
Despite the unforeseen challenges, the Duckworths remain optimistic about their timeline. “We’re still aiming for a late summer or early fall opening,” Duckworth said, “as long as we don’t hit any more surprises.” Once complete, The Springs will continue the tradition of family-friendly dining in historic downtown Excelsior Springs, offering a comfortable dine-in experience and convenient takeout options.
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This all looks Great with the New Quiktrip and The Springs Restaurant. Now finish the job and demolish that dangerous dump “The Not So Royal Hotel” before kids get hurt playing in there or a storm helps it tumble down, destroying the businesses across the street or even injuring a person walking or driving by. I really don’t want to lose my Smith’s Barber Shop across the street.