Gem Theater - Kansas City, Missouri

Gem Theater - Kansas City, Missouri

I had a nice day in the city yesterday and was able to get the photo I wanted to do a Nostalgic pic of the OLD Gem Theater in Kansas City, Missouri.

Its original name was the Star Theater, then the Gem was built in 1912 by the Shriner and Powellson Amusement Company as a silent movie palace serving Kansas City’s African American population.They renamed it back in 1913. If you ever make it to the area, you'll have to come and visit this site. It is located on 18th Street, up from Vine.

It ended as a theater in 1960. With the revitalization of 18th & Vine in the 1980s, the Gem Theater was restored into a beautiful, state-of-the art performance venue. It stands today as one of the crown jewels of the 18th & Vine corridor hosting many community events and theater productions. Space is also available for meetings, workshops and seminars.

Travel - Union Station - Kansas City, Missouri

Union Station

This Station has a Grand Entrance from the front, but I like the character from the back too. It was Built in 1914, and encompasses 850,000 square feet and originally featured 900 rooms. WOW, imagine that! In its day as a working train station, it accommodated tens of thousands of passengers every year. During WWII, an estimated one million travelers passed through the Station.

The Station was Closed in the 1980s, and sat empty and neglected until its renovation, which was completed in 1999.

Now a popular destination for the surrounding community and tourists from all over the world. The Grand Hall has a 95-foot ceiling, three 3,500-pound chandeliers and a six-foot wide clock which  hangs in the Station's central arch.

So if you plan a visit to Kansas City, Missouri, don't miss out on a visit and lunch at this Grand Place!!