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 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.
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.
this page online
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); St. Paul United Methodist Church (approx. ¼ mile away); Jewell Theater (approx. ¼ mile away); First Post Office in Springfield (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Colonial Hotel (approx. 0.3 miles away); John T. Woodruff (approx. 0.3 miles away); Gillioz Theater (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Springfield.
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 May 21, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 21, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 159 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 21, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
