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May -
June 1993
Modern Builder
The Midas Touch
Page 1
of 3
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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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