$3.5 Million Restoration Project: What They're Saying
Kansas City rallies behind the American Jazz Museum's first major renovation in over 25 years
On February 5, the Kansas City City Council voted unanimously to approve $3.2 million in public funds for the 2026 AJM Restoration Project -- the first major investment in the American Jazz Museum in over 25 years. With AJM contributing an additional $300,000, the total project investment comes to $3.5 million.
The restoration will transform four key areas of the museum: relocating and expanding the Blue Room to accommodate 180-200 guests with improved sound, acoustics, and lighting; creating a new cafe and expanded retail space; reorganizing exhibit galleries including a new rotating exhibition space; and upgrading back-of-house operations.
The announcement drew strong, immediate coverage from Kansas City media. Here’s what they’re saying.
Kansas City Star
Star columnist Toriano Porter wrote in support of the project ahead of the council vote, framing it against the national backdrop of attacks on cultural institutions:
“No one should want to see an inkling of that happen to such an iconic place as the American Jazz Museum. Kansas City must continue to support one of its very own treasures.”
Porter highlighted the museum’s trajectory from financial troubles in 2018 to its current momentum, calling the restoration “the foundation necessary for the museum to become self-sufficient.”
After the vote, Joseph Hernandez reported on the unveiled renderings and floor plans, noting the project’s place within a broader reimagining of the 18th & Vine district -- alongside the Black Movie Hall of Fame at the Boone Theater and the Parade Park Homes redevelopment.
Read Toriano Porter’s column
Read the KC Star news story
Porter also covered the story on TikTok: TikTok: Restoration project overview TikTok: Follow-up coverage
KCTV5
KCTV5 covered the unanimous council vote as the museum’s “first major renovation in 25 years,” detailing the $3.5 million breakdown: $2 million from the Convention and Sports Complex Fund, $1.2 million from the 3rd District Public Improvements Advisory Committee Contingency Fund, and $300,000 from AJM.
Mayor Quinton Lucas was quoted: “The American Jazz Museum is a world-class cultural institution right here in Kansas City. The City’s investment will help the museum continue sharing our city’s incredible jazz history with the next generation.”
FOX4 Kansas City
FOX4’s Alyssa Mueller and Matt Stewart reported on the project details, noting the Blue Room’s planned expansion and the connection to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum’s eventual relocation across the street on The Paseo.
KSHB (41 Action News)
Gary Brauer at KSHB covered the council’s approval alongside renderings of the new Blue Room and cafe spaces. The story ran adjacent to their preview coverage of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum’s own plans for the district.
KC Chamber of Commerce
The KC Chamber published AJM’s full press release, positioning the project as a milestone for the 18th & Vine district and the broader Kansas City cultural landscape.
Additional Broadcast Coverage
Local TV stations covered the story across multiple broadcasts on February 12-13. The restoration project also appeared in community outlets:
Sporting KC Connection
In a related story, Sporting KC unveiled a new secondary jersey honoring the 18th & Vine district, underscoring the neighborhood’s growing cultural visibility.
FOX4: Sporting KC honors 18th & Vine
The 2026 AJM Restoration Project was sponsored by 3rd District Councilwoman Melissa Robinson and co-sponsored by Councilmembers Crispin Rea (4th District) and Andrea Bough (6th District). For more information about the American Jazz Museum, visit americanjazzmuseum.org.