UMKC gives KCUR one month to move out, citing building foundation problems
The University of Missouri-Kansas City is forcing KCUR, Kansas City’s NPR affiliate station, to move out of its home at 48th Street and Troost Avenue by the end of January, citing concerns about the building the station occupies.
University officials announced the move Monday. In a story about the move, KCUR said the news had stunned staff, and in a statement reported by the station, KCUR General Manager Sarah Morris said a move — which will also include Classical KC, the classical music station — will be difficult.
“Relocating two radio stations on short notice is complex and resource-intensive, particularly following so closely after the loss of federal funding earlier this year,” Morris said. “Despite these challenges, we remain committed to providing uninterrupted service for our entire audience.”
The move increases uncertainty about the future of KCUR, which for several months has had a partnership with The Star that includes reporter appearances, the sharing of journalism and the co-production of podcasts.
Earlier this year, UMKC announced that it would spin off management of KCUR and Classical KC to an independent nonprofit within the next three years. And after Congress and President Donald Trump’s administration axed funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting earlier this year, the Kansas City stations said they would lose about $500,000 per year in federal funding.
KCUR said university officials pointed to “numerous challenges” in maintaining the old building that houses the stations, including an aging HVAC system and “accelerated” deterioration observed by facilities staff in recent weeks. The school said the building’s foundation was settling in a way that could affect boiler and sewer lines, “which could render the building uninhabitable with minimum notice.”
University spokeswoman Stacy Downs confirmed the school would be closing the building by Jan. 31, “to ensure the continued wellbeing and safety of employees who work there.” Plans for the building will be determined after that date, she said.
Downs said when the university updated its master plan in 2021, it planned for the building to be decommissioned, but a date hadn’t been set until recent checks showed the foundation was settling at an accelerated rate.
“Based on the new information, UMKC notified tenants and is working with them to help relocate and move all employees out of the building no later than January 31,” Downs said.
In addition to KCUR and Classical KC, the building currently houses staff with the Kansas City Repertory Theatre and the KC STEM Alliance, Downs said.
KCUR said the building, located at 4825 Troost Ave., was constructed in 1949 and has been the station’s home since 1985.
