The Aladdin Revival

Breathing New Life into KC’s History

Established in 1925, The Aladdin Hotel quickly became one of Kansas City’s most luxurious accommodations, celebrated for its distinctive Art Deco architecture. As the city’s tallest building at the time, the hotel hosted people from celebrities to mob bosses. Over the decades, the hotel underwent various transformations, reflecting the evolving landscape of downtown Kansas City.

Kansas City Design Week invites you to an exclusive panel discussion exploring the redevelopment of the historic Aladdin Hotel. Moderated by preservation expert Elizabeth Rosin of Heritage Consulting Group, the panel will feature key members of the project team: architect Jeff Schutzler of Pluribus, interior designer Kali Buchanan of KBID, and developer Zach Molzer of Molzer Development. Together, they’ll dive into the challenges of restoring this century-old landmark, the creative strategies used to balance preservation with modern needs, and the project’s anticipated role in downtown revitalization. After the discussion, attendees will get a behind-the-scenes look at the active construction site and experience how history and modern living intersect in this exciting transformation.

This event aims to educate and inspire further historic redevelopment within downtown Kansas City. By showcasing the meticulous process of transforming The Aladdin Hotel, we hope to highlight the potential for breathing new life into other historic structures, contributing to the city’s ongoing urban renaissance.

Day Two - April 23

Apr 23, 2025 | 10:30am-12:00pm

10:30am | Check-in
10:45am | Program
Coffee Provided

The Aladdin KC
1215 Wyandotte St
16th Floor
Kansas City, MO 64105
United States

$18 + fees online | $25 at door

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Presenters

Kali Buchanan

Owner | Kali Buchanan Interior Design LLC

Kali Buchanan, a graduate of Kansas State University’s Interior Design Program, brings a depth of expertise across Retail, Hospitality, Residential, Workplace, and Wellness environments. As the founder of KBID, each project is guided by a passion for innovative, client-centered solutions that blend modern aesthetics with thoughtful functionality. Beyond design, a commitment to the industry is reflected through involvement with the Kansas State University Interior Design Advisory Board and the local IIDA chapter, while an enduring appreciation for art, culture, and culinary experiences serves as a constant source of creative inspiration.

Zach Molzer

Principal & Founder | Molzer Development

As Founder of Molzer Development, Zach strives to uplift communities, rehabilitate neighborhoods, and take a local and youthful approach to multifamily development. His passion lies in putting together multifamily deals and connecting with like-minded individuals in the Commercial Real Estate (CRE) industry, forging valuable partnerships, and facilitating successful investments across the Midwest.

Jeff Schutzler

Founding Principal | pluribus architectural collaborative llc

Jeff is an architect, client advocate, creative thinker, and strategist. He leads diverse teams of collaborators to make world-class buildings and cultivate lasting partnerships. For nearly three decades, Jeff has designed award-winning adaptive reuse and historic renovation projects. He established Pluribus in 2020.

Rueben Hamman

Rueben has more than 20 years of construction experience as both a site team member and a project manager. He has a diverse range of experience including senior living community construction, mixed-use, multi-family renovations, and an emphasis on historical renovations. Rueben is an experienced project team leader who prides himself on open communication with our clients and designers to ensure an efficient, responsible build process.

Elizabeth Rosin (Moderator)

Sr. Vice President, Business Strategy | Heritage Consulting Group

Before merging with Heritage Consulting Group in 2024, Elizabeth Rosin led the Kansas City-based consulting firm Rosin Preservation for 19 years. Elizabeth is drawn to projects that require creativity, strategic thinking, and collaboration to achieve a successful resolution. She enjoys working closely with property owners, architects, and contractors to find appropriate designs and treatments to meet both the Secretary’s Standards for Rehabilitation and the client’s programmatic goals. Her projects have encompassed buildings of all types, sizes, ages, and architectural styles from a c. 1826 log house to 1980s high-rise offices. She first encountered the Aladdin Hotel in 2005 and looks forward to seeing it through its next glow up.