The Resilient History of the Paseo YMCA: From the Birthplace of the Negro National League to a Revitalized Research Center
The Paseo YMCA in Kansas City, Missouri is a building with a wonderful and storied past, filled with moments of triumph and resilience. In 1914, Julius Rosenwald encouraged Kansas Citians to raise $80,000 towards building a new YMCA, and the architect chosen to design the Paseo YMCA was local architect Charles A. Smith.
In 1920, eight independent black baseball team owners met at the Paseo YMCA in the historic 18th & Vine section of Kansas City, Missouri. They formed what would become the Negro National League, which offered African American baseball players the opportunity to become legends. This was in the face of racism and segregation that relegated Black players to disparate leagues spread across the U.S., often embarking on long barnstorming tours. But the Negro National League provided a platform for these talented players to showcase their skills, featuring greats such as Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson, and Cool Papa Bell.
Jackie Robinson played for the Kansas City Monarchs before the Dodgers signed him in 1945, and other greats such as Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, and Ernie Banks also got their start in the Negro Leagues. The Paseo YMCA played a crucial role in this history, as it was the birthplace of the Negro National League.
Sadly, the Paseo YMCA closed in the 1970s, and it sat abandoned for years until the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum spearheaded an effort in 2006 called "Thanks a Million Buck" to renovate the building and convert it to a research center and museum. The goal to raise a million dollars was quickly reached when John "Buck" O'Neil, National Baseball Hall of Famer, former Negro Leagues legend, and Kansas City humanitarian, passed away in October 2006.
Buck O’Neil
Fast forward to 2013, and the Buck O’Neil Education and Research Center opened its doors after years of planning and fundraising. It served as a lively space for community events and banquets, and the research library held historical significance as the place where the Negro National League was officially signed into existence by Andrew “Rube” Foster on February 13, 1920.
Unfortunately, the center was vandalized in 2018, resulting in $500,000 worth of damage that devastated the main and lower floors. Despite this disappointing setback, the Negro League Baseball Museum, along with the greater baseball and Kansas City community, pushed through with resiliency to begin the work to reopen the center.
Renovation photos courtesy of Russell Construction.
Phase I of the revitalization project was completed in December 2022 by Russell Construction and included a floor-to-ceiling renovation of the 9,200 square foot first floor. The banquet hall features a grand staircase leading to a mezzanine that encircles the room, and there are two exhibition halls and a research library that serves as a place for students and baseball enthusiasts to learn about local, regional, and national Black Baseball and social history.
Photos of the completed project, courtesy of Trent Foltz and Russell Construction.
Russell collaborated with the ownership team to select and coordinate interior finishes, from custom woodwork to light fixtures. The research library is adorned with high-end, custom architectural woodwork handcrafted by Russell carpenters and is a testament to the resilience of the building and the community that has worked to preserve its legacy. The entire project team did a wonderful job of restoring the historic facility back to its former glory as a space for collaboration and community for years to come.
But that’s not all. The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is courageously embarking on a fundraising campaign to raise $25 million for a new building to house its education center and what has become one of the world’s unique collections of baseball memorabilia. The Pitch for the Future campaign is designed to lead to a new 30,000-square foot facility that would be adjacent to the Buck O’Neil Education and Research Center.
This project has not only revitalized a historic building but also honored the legacy of the Negro Leagues and the African American baseball players who paved the way for integration in the sport. Despite setbacks, the center has persevered and continued to serve as a hub for community events and education. With the upcoming "Pitch for the Future" campaign and plans for expansion, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is poised to continue its mission of preserving and celebrating the rich history of African-American baseball and its impact on the social advancement of America. The Buck O'Neil Education and Research Center stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring legacy of the Negro Leagues.
Sign up for Stories from the City, the exclusive newsletter from kcyesterday.com with stories about the mafia, architecture, prohibition, sports, and everything in between.
A special thank you to Russell for inspiring and contributing to today’s article!
