Kentwood Hall Renovation

Kentwood Hall Renovation. . Southwest Missouri State University used a college housing loan from the United States Department of Education to purchase Kentwood Hall, formerly the Kentwood Arms Hotel, from the Kentwood Arms Hotel Company. The SMSU Board of Regents authorized purchase of the property on November 18, 1983., The Hotel, with its famous Crystal Ballroom, was a Springfield landmark for many years. Guests included U.S. Presidents, national celebrities, and international dignitaries. Southwest Missouri State University has made every effort to restore the public areas of Kentwood Hall in the style and décor of the original Kentwood Arms Hotel., The Kentwood Hall renovation was completed in two phases. The renovation of the motel units was completed in November 1987 at a cost of $151,503. The hotel renovation was completed in October 1988 at a cost of $1,464,000. Both phases of the renovation were funded through the college housing loan.