Historic Parkville depot now houses an art gallery

The city of Parkville is making some changes it hopes will attract more business to the downtown area, beginning with leasing part of the historic railroad depot to an art gallery.

The city considers the depot an “iconic feature” of downtown Parkville and its eastern gateway.

Last month, the city’s Board of Aldermen rezoned the depot at 8701 N.W. River Park Drive from light industrial to old town district to match the surrounding business area. That allowed the city to lease unused space there to a business, the Cathy Kline Art Gallery.

The city owns the 1,925-square-foot depot — no longer used for train travel — and has been leasing part of the space for some time to the Parkville Area Chamber of Commerce. Most of the space lay vacant before Kline opened her gallery Nov. 1. The gallery and the chamber now occupy the space together.

Gallery owner Cathy Kline said her new location is “an ideal situation.”

“It is an historic train depot filled with history. I feel that it is a place that draws people and will continue to draw people and will never fall out of grace,” Kline said.

According to City Administrator Lauren Palmer, the new tenant does not pay rent.

“The consideration to the city is having a permanent user who maintains public access to the building. Kline is responsible for utilities (electric and water) and routine maintenance and cleaning,” Palmer said. “The chamber reimburses Kline for a portion of utilities.”

Kline describes herself as a contemporary impressionist artist specializing in portrait painting. The depot will provide space for an art classroom, studio and gallery.

Some other pieces on exhibit will include Gary Staab’s bronze sculptures and Cathie Thompson’s Plains Landscapes.

“We are happy to have Cathy Kline in the space because of her reputation and (for the) art-type businesses she will be able to attract to the area,” said Parkville Mayor Nanette Johnston.

When looking for a tenant, the city described the depot this way: “Set between English Landing Park and Park University on Missouri 9, the depot is a welcoming gateway into downtown and a reminder of Parkville’s rich railroad history. Built in 1889, the depot served for many years as City Hall.”

Johnston said the city plans to update its signage into the historic downtown area next spring.

She said Parkville will erect two stone bollards “almost in front of the depot.” One pillar will have the word “downtown” on it and the other, “Parkville.” The city will also add landscaping and lighting as part of this “dress up” of the corridor into downtown.

Parkville also intends to construct a sidewalk from the main downtown intersection to the depot, she added.

Marsha Van Dever, executive director of the Parkville Area Chamber of Commerce, said a new sign will announce the chamber, the gallery and the city visitor’s center, which also is inside the depot.

Several downtown business owners said leasing the vacant depot space to a business should draw more customers to the area.

“I think the depot is a good spot (for Cathy’s business),” Van Dever said. “Cathy has a lot of connections. She is involved with artists’ groups.”

Her gallery, Van Dever added, will display other artists’ work and “these other artists will bring their friends.”

Parkville Coffee owner Joshua J. Brock said the “more that is available for people to do and see is always a plus” for business downtown.

“Kline is a great artist and does a nice job as a retailer,” Brock said.

Ali Mahzoon, owner of Frank’s Italian Restaurant, said he also supports the city’s decision to lease depot space to the gallery. “Any occupied building is a great idea.”

Jeff Cunningham, owner of Old Town Sweets and Antiques, said that the more there is for people to do downtown, the more the area will attract people from Kansas City. “The more business in the area, the better.”

But David Williams, owner of River’s Bend Restaurant and Bar, said he doesn’t think the depot is a good location for the gallery because it is difficult to “get activity down there.” Parkville does not have “an overabundance of traffic,” he said, and merchants have to do a lot of advertising to bring in business.

This story was originally published November 11, 2014 at 3:52 PM with the headline "Historic Parkville depot now houses an art gallery."