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May - June, 1993
Modern Builder
The
Midas Touch
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The Scarritt Complex in downtown Kansas City has been described
as "a direct representative of turn-of-the-century
preoccupation with natural light." Characteristic of a
Chicago School skyscraper, the Scarritt Building at Ninth and
Grand and its sister building, the Scarritt Arcade at Ninth and
Walnut, reflect the most opulent and sophisticated architecture
of the early twentieth century. The exterior facades exemplify
some of the finest, intricately molded terra cotta ornamentation
in existence today. Hand-laid mosaic tile floors, marble
wainscoting, mahogany wall paneling and detailed ornamentation
grace the interior of the complex.
The
Scarritt Complex, listed on the National Register of Historic
Places and with the Kansas City Landmarks Commission, had
already undergone some renovation when it was purchased in 1991
by the Ozark National Life Insurance Company.
"Ozark
National Life has a vital interest in the preservation of Kansas
City landmark buildings," said Steve Duncan, corporate
attorney for the insurance company. "When the complex came
up for sale, we were pleased to have the opportunity to purchase
the buildings. Both the arcade and the elevator lobby had
recently been renovated, but the Scarritt Building itself was
virtually unoccupied and ready for renovation."
Currently,
the Scarritt Building is over 50% occupied. Former tenants of
the building, the Federal Public Defenders, have recently
returned to the Scarritt Building, occupying the entire third
floor. With its proximity to both the Federal and Jackson County
Courthouses, the complex is an ideal location for those seeking
elegant offices in downtown Kansas City.
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