Q. Will any of the contributions be subject to the Diocesan assessments?
A. No, 100 % of the faithful’s contributions will be used to purchase the building and renovate the campus. This is an Institute of Christ the King Campaign. We express our gratitude to His Excellency, Bishop Johnston, who has approved the Hall to Holiness Campaign and dispensed it from the diocesan tax.
Q. Why buy the existing Old Public Library Building instead of building a new social hall?
A. A plan was developed in 2024 to build a new social hall. The cost was to be $8.5 million for 12,000 SF with an estimated 2 year construction schedule. With this plan we would have lost a portion of our parking lot. The cost to buy the building is $3.4 million for 60,000 SF with the ability to have usable space much sooner and gain some additional parking. The Institute expands its footprint downtown to own an entire city block in Kansas City.
Q. What will be the uses of the building?
A. The lower level of the building will be adapted to provide a social hall, kitchen, classrooms and offices. The other areas of the building could possibly be leased to businesses and Catholic educational providers which will generate an income for the Oratory to offset costs of the purchase price, maintenance, taxes, utilities, etc. We look forward to Divine Providence guiding us for future building uses.
Q. Will the Oratory parking situation improve?
A. Yes, the Oratory owns the parking lot we currently use. It is leased to the employees of Ozark Life Insurance through August 2026. We will maintain the ownership and use of this parking lot and gain the smaller parking lot on the corner of 8th and Locust. The Oratory will have eminent domain of the alley that can potentially be used for Sunday parking. Courtyard renovations could also provide additional spots.
Q. Will any improvements be made to the church building?
A. Money from the Campaign will be allocated for campus beautification and security. The existing garage will be removed and a courtyard will be incorporated into the grassy area with fencing and parking lot renovation. An architectural company has been employed by the Oratory to aid us in creating a cohesive vision for the entire city block campus.
Q. Will Ozark Life Insurance Company remain a tenant in the building?
A. The Oratory inherits a short term lease with Ozark Life Insurance Company that will expire August 2026. The lease provides a minimal rental income while the company continues to pay the building maintenance, utilities, and taxes. Essentially, the Oratory will have no expenses for the building for 16 months while generating an income. Other tenant options will be explored in the future.