Scarritt Building to become UMusic Hotel Kansas City

UMusic Hospitality & Lifestyle and UMH Development plan to turn Kansas City’s historic Scarritt Building into UMusic Hotel Kansas City, with construction expected to start in the fourth quarter of 2026. The project is meant to preserve the landmark’s architecture while adding a hotel, residences, entertainment, dining and wellness amenities in downtown Kansas City.

Why it matters: - The project would convert a 117-year-old downtown landmark into a new hospitality and entertainment destination. - The development adds another large mixed-use investment to Kansas City’s core, near the Power & Light District and T-Mobile Center. - The plan ties the city’s jazz legacy and music identity to a branded hotel concept built around live entertainment and cultural programming.

What happened: - UMusic Hospitality & Lifestyle and UMH Development announced UMusic Hotel Kansas City. - Construction is planned to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026. - The project will reuse the Scarritt Building, a historic downtown Kansas City property. - The hotel is being developed by UMH Development and BR Companies of Kansas City and Los Angeles.

The details: - The finished project is expected to include approximately 169 guest rooms. - The development will also include a connected 309-unit branded residential tower. - Planned amenities include an immersive music and entertainment venue, a professional recording studio, and a UMusic Shop retail store. - Multiple food and beverage concepts are planned, including a year-round rooftop restaurant, lounge and pool. - The project also calls for a luxury spa and fitness center. - The Scarritt Building has stood for more than 117 years and is a landmark in downtown Kansas City’s historic core. - The redevelopment is designed as an adaptive reuse that preserves the building’s architectural character. - The site is three blocks from the Power & Light District and within a 10-minute walk of the T-Mobile Center. - UMusic Hospitality & Lifestyle is developed in partnership with Universal Music Group. - UMH Development said its development pipeline tops $1.5 billion, with projects underway in Kansas City, San Diego, Dallas, San Francisco and Los Angeles. - More information is available at the company website.

Between the lines: - UMusic is using historic properties as the backbone of its brand strategy, pairing preservation with high-end experiential hospitality. - Kansas City gives the company a market with a strong music story and a central downtown location that can support both visitors and residents. - The project also signals continued demand for mixed-use developments that combine lodging, branded housing, entertainment and dining in one site.

What’s next: - The next major milestone is the planned start of construction in late 2026. - Final buildout will determine how the hotel, residences and entertainment venues are integrated across the Scarritt Building site. - The project will move forward as UMH Development advances its broader North American pipeline.