KAI Transforms Historic Vashon Community Center at Harris-Stowe State University into Wolff Jazz Institute & National Black Radio Hall of Fame

ST. LOUIS – Originally built in 1937, the Vashon Community Center on the Harris-Stowe State University (HSSU) campus was a vital recreational hub for African Americans in St. Louis during the segregation era. Thanks to a $3 million renovation led by KAI Enterprises, this historic building has been transformed into the Don and Heide Wolff Jazz Institute and National Black Radio Hall of Fame, celebrating Black culture and diversity. The newly renovated center was officially opened to the public on April 11, 2023. 

The historic 16,000 sq. ft. building is strategically located at the terminus of the Brickline Greenway’s latest segment, under construction along Market Street. This 0.85-mile segment will connect pedestrians and cyclists to the broader Greenway project, a public-private partnership that includes public art installations commemorating the Mill Creek Valley neighborhood.

Vacant for many years following its acquisition by HSSU from the City of St. Louis in 1999, a 2009 grant from the National Park Service, aimed at preserving significant historic structures on historically Black college and university campuses, along with state funds, made the Vashon Center’s renovation possible, with construction starting in December 2021 and completing in early 2023.

As a minority-owned and -led firm, KAI Enterprises provided comprehensive services for this project, including facility assessment, planning, programming, architecture, MEP/FP engineering and historic preservation consulting. KAI’s long-standing relationship with HSSU has seen the development of various educational, housing and child development facilities on the campus. 

“KAI Enterprises is honored to contribute to the revitalization of the Vashon Community Center, marking another milestone in our ongoing partnership with Harris-Stowe State University,” said KAI CEO Michael B. Kennedy. “This project not only preserves a piece of history but also transforms it into a national destination that celebrates the rich legacy of jazz and Black radio.”

KAI’s design maintained the historic Art Deco character of the Vashon Community Center while integrating modern elements. The building’s exterior, composed of solid brick masonry with limestone accents, now features a new entrance on the north side, incorporating a minimalist stairwell and elevator that complement the existing architecture. Period-style windows, designed to match the building’s original plans, replaced previous infilled openings, and new entrance doors enhance the historical aesthetics.

“Designing the new addition required a delicate balance between honoring the building’s Art Deco heritage and introducing a modern, vibrant twist that symbolizes jazz and musical expression,” said KAI Architectural Designer Anthony Kelley. “We achieved this through vertical glazing bands that flood the space with natural light, and ribbed panels that add rhythm and texture, making a bold visual statement.”

Inside, the upper level was reimagined as the Wolff Jazz Institute and National Black Radio Hall of Fame, while the lower level now serves as an orientation, support and classroom space. The design includes a repository for historical documents from prominent figures such as U.S. Rep. William Lacy Clay Sr., civil rights leader Frankie Muse Freeman and Harris-Stowe State University President Emeritus Henry Givens Jr.

The lower-level lobby features a portable ticketing kiosk, security desk and a new interior storefront system leading to a podcast studio lined with acoustical panels. Upstairs, the original gymnasium has been transformed into a museum space with preserved, grey-stained brick, restored maple wood floors and an original scoreboard. The space is equipped with movable display walls, new lighting and a stage for various events.

“KAI’s commitment to preserving and enhancing this historic building is evident in every aspect of the design,” added Kelley. “The result is a dynamic space that honors the past while serving the future.”

KAI also provided value engineering for the HVAC system and electrical system, offering a hybrid solution that reduced costs while meeting the high standards required for the gallery space.