McKinney Building

Located at 411-413 East Broadway, the McKinney Building, a former Black-owned dance hall, has housed more than a dozen different businesses over the years. The century-old building has functioned as a jazz venue, candy store, brewery, chicken hatchery, department store and most recently as a physical therapy office. 

411-413 East Broadway, McKinney Building

Image courtesy of the State Historical Society of Missouri, P0052-77785-01

The McKinney Building was constructed in 1917 by Frank "Fred" McKinney (1856-1934), a Black day laborer who spent approximately $5,000 to build the brick structure. At the time it was built, the McKinney Building was one of only a few buildings in Columbia with public restrooms open to Black people. The first floor of the building served as a storefront for three businesses. The second floor, known as McKinney Hall, acted as a community center and dance hall that was famous for hosting Black celebrities of the time.

Following the death of Fred McKinney in 1934, the building was sold to Greek immigrant William Tallen. He dismantled the dance floor and converted the building into a candy store and brewery. In the 1950s, the second floor became a chicken hatchery. Meanwhile, the downstairs floor was populated with a pizza parlor, bicycle and key shop. The hatchery closed in the early ’60s, leaving the building’s second floor vacant until the early 1970s.

Advertisement from the 28 February 1953 Columbia Missourian

In September 1978, the building was converted into a two-story department store operated by Ancel Proctor and Richard Halterman of Proctor Real Estate. The renovations by Proctor and Halterman were extensive, adding a grand stairwell and skylights. Changing hands again in 1993, the building was bought by Rick Rother, who converted the first floor into a physical therapy office and the second into a three-bedroom apartment. The building began a new chapter in its story in August of 2023 when the Columbia City Council unanimously approved the acquisition of the building for $1.7 million.

The McKinney Building was added to Columbia’s Historic Preservation Commission’s Most Notable Property list in 2003. It is one of 24 locations in Columbia commemorated with informational markers along the African American Heritage Trail. The trail was created to educate people about Black history in Columbia.

Sources

Newspapers.com
City of Columbia Historic Preservation Commission
The McKinney Building houses over 100 years of Columbia Black History, Vox Magazine, 14 December 2023

CoMo Preservation is devoted to helping homeowners, landlords, and institutions prevent the destruction of historic architecture. Original period styles might be replicated but will forever lack the social history of authentic structures. Preserving historic places and spaces gives people a sense of place and boosts Columbia’s economy. You can get involved by volunteering, signing up for our mailing list, attending an event, becoming a member, or donating.