Springfield in Greene County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Kentwood Hall Renovation
Photographed by Jason Voigt, April 5, 2021
1. Kentwood Hall Renovation Marker
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 dιcor 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.
Erected 1989.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is November 18, 1983.
Location. 37° 12.475′ N, 93° 17.085′ W. Marker is in Springfield, Missouri, in Greene County. It is on East Saint Louis Street east of South Kimbrough
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the American Ozarks, in the Lewis & Clark Corridor, and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, the Louisiana Purchase, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Shrine Mosque (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Battle of Springfield (approx. 0.2 miles away); Keet-McElhany House (approx. Ό mile away); First Classical Academy in Greene County (approx. Ό mile away); St. Paul United Methodist Church (approx. Ό mile away); Jewell Theater (approx. Ό mile away); Beverly Apartments (approx. 0.3 miles away); First Post Office in Springfield (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Springfield.
Regarding Kentwood Hall Renovation. According to the State Historical Society of Missouri's website (on the Route 66 in Missouri history page), the hotel opened on July 24, 1926. Some of the hotel's famous guests included President Harry S Truman, Bob Hope and Groucho Marx.
Photographed by Jason Voigt, April 5, 2021
2. Kentwood Hall Renovation Marker
Marker is mounted at the entrance of the building.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 11, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 21, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 737 times since then and 56 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 21, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
