Greenwood Building Acquisition Fund
Calvin Arsenia, songwriter and director of Greenwood Social Hall
I am under contract to purchase the building known as Greenwood Social Hall in Kansas City for $725,000, with closing scheduled for July 30, 2026.
This building has functioned as a site of Black congregation, organization, and cultural life for approximately 100 years. It originated as Greenwood Baptist Church. Early leadership established it as a religious and community anchor during a period when Black institutions were structurally excluded from public resources. The full history of the building will be researched and presented publicly as part of its 100-year anniversary on August 7, 2027.
“Orchestra in Recitals” The Call, 1933
"Soul Stirrers to Sing," The Call, 1927
Greenwood Baptist Church c 2014
Greenwood Baptist Church was purchased and renovated in 2017 by Bottoms Up Collective – a company devoted to restoring historic structures in Kansas City – exposing its stunning underside and revealing its undeniable grandeur.
curtesy of Bottoms Up Collective
The building now operates as a 2,400 square foot performance venue and social hall. Since December 2023, when I began as the new director and lease holder of the space, 302 events have been produced, 3,863 concert tickets have been purchased, and $60,704 has been directly paid to artists who make original work. The model allocates 70% of ticket revenue to artists from the first dollar so that an artist never walks away from a performance with nothing to show for their work.
We also value dignity, respect, and permanence for both our audiences and the arists who come through the doors which is exemplified by serving drinks exclusively in reusable glassware, unique wooden second hand chairs in lieu of folding chairs, and individual hand towels in the restroom that are laundered and folded by hand between each performance.
Ramy Essam, songwriter
Hali Lee, author
Teri Quinn, songwriter
Oddball Hoedown, inclusive square dancing event with live musicians and caller
Song Circle with Christine G, an entry level singing gathering that meets monthly
Cello Society Workshop with Dr. Ezgi Karakus
Classic Christmas Carolers shed light with their beautiful harmonies in an annual concert that has become family tradition.
Westside Tango meets at Greenwood Social Hall monthly.
Abby Brisbane, actor in “1309” by Mazzy Mann
…. and there's so much more
If I do not purchase the building, it will be sold on the open market. There is no mechanism to guarantee its continued use as a small-capacity cultural space or its accessibility to the communities currently served.
The Goal:
After months of preparation and negotiations, I am currently under contract with the seller for $725,000.
The minimum required to close is $55,000 - covers down payment and acquisition costs.
$165,000 secures a 20% down payment and removes long-term insurance costs - saving $135K over the life of the mortgage.
$725,000 eliminates debt entirely - Wouldn't it be nice?
This is a capital acquisition. The funds secure the property.
If the acquisition succeeds, the building remains in continuous use as a performance venue with shared commercial tenancy offsetting operating costs and the connections in and throughout the building will be preserved for the forseeable future. If the acquisition fails, the use, pricing, and access to the space will change under new ownership. If the purchase does not close, funds are returned within 60 days.
July 30th, 2026 is the actual closing date which means there is a finite window to transfer a historically Black-built structure into stable, artist-led ownership.
I believe owning this property is one of the most important things I will do this lifetime and I can not do this without you.
Thank you in advance for your continued support.
yours,
Calvin Arsenia
To contribute to the acquisition:
Checks can be made payable to “Calvin Arsenia”
and sent to:
GREENWOOD SOCIAL HALL
1750 Belleview Ave
Second Floor
Kansas City, MO 64108
Venmo @greenwoodsocialhall
For tax deductible contributions, please write me at calvinarsenia at gmail and I will connect you to our fiscal sponsor: The New and Improved Music Foundation of Kansas City.
P.S. This year, I got a second-hand movie screen and projector, and since the space is so intitmate, humble equipment looks great! Very excited to add this to our list of available offerings for the community!
from Jean-Jacques Corbier's film premiere “House of Hearts”
P.P.S. Mark your calendars for the following fundraiser events:
Sunday June 14th, Ice Cream Social Vision Casting with Calvin Arsenia 2PM Free to attend. Donations appreciated
Saturday June 20th, Finally: After Hours Dance Party 9PM $20
Thursday, July 30th, Ribbon Cutting Dedication Ceremony (Presuming successful fundraising) 6PM Free to attend. Donations appreciated
Sunday August 16th, Donor Reception. 4PM Free to attend. Donations appreciated