Originally constructed in 1895 as the residence of businessman and civic leader August Meyer, Vanderslice Hall was donated to the Kansas City Art Institute in 1927 by Howard Vanderslice. Since then, it has served as the college’s Administration Building and remains a central part of the campus’s history and identity.
A multiphase renovation addressed both the exterior and interior of the building, preserving its historic character while adapting it to meet contemporary needs. Improvements included new historically appropriate windows, stained glass restoration, renovations to the terrace and awning, a new elevator, accessibility upgrades, and a centralized VRF heating and cooling system.
The project received a Best Preservation Practices Award from Historic Kansas City and a 2019 Design Excellence Award from AIA Kansas City.
