Boone Theater
After an $8.7 million renovation, Boone Theater is open and transforming Kansas City's cultural corridor. Discover the businesses at the heart of this historic revival.
Tenant Spotlight
Black Movie Hall of Fame
The Black Movie Hall of Fame is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the legacy of Black cinema. From historical retrospectives to contemporary screenings, the Hall of Fame will honor the filmmakers, actors, and storytellers whose work has shaped the entertainment industry. By showcasing the achievements of Black creatives, the Hall provides a platform for education, inspiration, and cultural pride.
Parson & Associates
Parson + Associates (P+A) is a Kansas City public relations firm founded in 2006 by President & CEO Jason Parson, a Service-Disabled Veteran. Specializing in strategic communications, project management, and community engagement, P+A is dedicated to fostering community connections and has contributed to major projects like the KCI Airport Single Terminal and the KC Streetcar System, enhancing Kansas City's infrastructure.
The Soul of Santa Do Good Foundation
The Soul of Santa Do Good Foundation is a Kansas City-based initiative dedicated to bringing holiday cheer and fostering community spirit throughout the city. Inspired by the philanthropic legacy of Larry Stewart, known as "Kansas City's Secret Santa," the organization focuses on delivering acts of kindness and supporting those in need during the holiday season
Benton, Lloyd & Chung, LLP
Benton Lloyd & Chung LLP is a minority-owned law firm specializing in real estate law, historic preservation, and legal strategies for community development. With a focus on social responsibility, the firm is committed to helping clients navigate complex legal matters while ensuring their projects contribute positively to the local community.
Boone Theater Community Investment Group
The Boone Theater Community Investment Group is a coalition of local leaders and organizations dedicated to the economic and cultural revitalization of the 18th & Vine District. By working collaboratively with artists, entrepreneurs, and cultural institutions, the group ensures that the Boone Theater serves as a central hub for community engagement and creative expression.
A New Era Begins.
Now open in Kansas City's historic 18th & Vine Jazz District, the revitalized Boone Theater is once again a beacon of culture and creativity.
Meet the Boone Theater Development Team
Vine Street Collaborative
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Shomari Benton, a co-founder and partner at Benton Lloyd Chung, LLP, brings a deep commitment to urban development and historic preservation. His extensive experience in real estate law makes him a crucial asset to the Boone Theater project. Shomari’s vision focuses on ensuring that redevelopment efforts honor Kansas City’s cultural heritage while delivering tangible benefits to the local community.
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Tim Duggan, founding partner of Phronesis, has a rich background in landscape architecture and urban planning. With a career spanning public and private sectors, Tim has led numerous projects that blend ecological design with community needs. His vision for the Boone Theater project focuses on creating spaces that serve as cultural hubs, fostering both creativity and economic development. Tim’s work reflects a deep commitment to revitalizing Kansas City’s east side while preserving the history and character that make the 18th & Vine Jazz District unique
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Jason Parson, President and CEO of Parson + Associates, has a deep-rooted commitment to Kansas City’s development and revitalization. With extensive experience in managing public relations for large infrastructure and community projects, Jason has built a reputation for his ability to connect with diverse stakeholders and ensure projects stay on track. A veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and a recognized Ford Freedom Unsung Hero, Jason’s leadership is marked by a dedication to supporting veterans and underrepresented communities. His work on the Boone Theater project reflects his passion for creating spaces that honor the past while building a brighter future for Kansas City
The Vine Street Collaborative is a partnership of three visionary leaders—Tim Duggan, Jason Parson, and Shomari Benton—committed to preserving Kansas City’s cultural heritage while fostering new opportunities for growth. With deep roots in the community, this trio has led transformative redevelopment projects that merge historic preservation with forward-thinking design. Their work focuses on creating vibrant, inclusive spaces that reflect the rich history of Kansas City's 18th & Vine Jazz District.
The trio's flagship projects include the revitalization of 2000 Vine, a historic public works complex transformed into a mixed-use destination featuring offices, event spaces, and cultural hubs like Vine Street Brewing Co. and the Warren Harvey Art Gallery
This redevelopment is helping to expand the cultural corridor of the historic district, breathing new life into once-vacant structures and providing new economic and creative opportunities for local residents and businesses.
Now, as part of their continued investment in the area, the Vine Street Collaborative is spearheading the Boone Theater redevelopment. This project aims to transform the historic theater into a state-of-the-art cultural hub, featuring the Black Movie Hall of Fame, the Black Repertory Theatre of Kansas City, and a range of community-focused spaces.
Together, Tim, Jason, and Shomari bring a unique blend of design, communication, and legal expertise to every project they undertake. Their shared vision is to create spaces that honor Kansas City's past while laying the foundation for a vibrant and inclusive future.