In 2008, Redeemer Fellowship opened in the Westport neighborhood with a specific passion for the spiritual, social and cultural renewal of Kansas City. Since then we have only grown in our commitment to this vision, and have realized more deeply that real estate plays a significant role in the renewal that we long to see in our neighborhood.

We were saddened that the beautiful and historic Katz Drugstore has sat vacant, and we believe that the best-case scenario is when property is locally owned by someone with a vested interest in the community. In light of this, when the Katz Drugstore went up for auction, our leaders decided to make an offer on this property.

Why?
There are a few reasons why we purchased this property. First, we want to be able to contribute to cultural and community development efforts in Westport. The Katz building gives us the opportunity to explore ideas for art gallery space, job skill training, mediation, art classes for neighborhood students, and other cultural and community development initiatives.

Second, this will give us space to host community events. We’ve had many opportunities to host the community in our church building over the last three years and we have enjoyed every one of them. But there are limitations to holding “non-religious” events in an inherently “religious” building. The Katz property can serve as a better location for these community events and initiatives.

Finally, we feel that the Katz property will serve as a strategic way to use a “non-religious” building for occasional “religious” purposes. We hope that in the coming years our church will multiply into more churches who exist for God’s glory and the benefit of others, both in Kansas City and throughout the world. The Katz property can serve as a strategic space for the incubation of new church plants who may not have another place to meet, as well as create space for the development of a regional congregation strategy for Redeemer Fellowship.

We’ve been approached several times about buying neighboring properties and we’ve said no – we’re not looking to gather property or build some kind of “empire” at 39th & Main. However, we see this as a very strategic opportunity to add benefit and value to our neighborhood.

Our hope is that this building can regain its significance as a cultural and architectural landmark in Midtown. We’re in this for the long-haul; we love our neighborhood and long to see it thrive and flourish; and we hope that even those who disagree with what we believe can celebrate with us.

Questions?
Leave a comment here or send us an email.

With you for Midtown,

- Redeemer Fellowship