Columbia’s mayor is excited about the $1.7-million purchase of the historic McKinney building downtown. It’s located at 411 East Broadway.
This week’s council vote was unanimous. Mayor Barbara Buffaloe says the building has commemorated the social, educational, religious and civic life of Columbia’s African-American population for decades.
“And it reminds me of the city’s decision, I’ve looked back on some of our historical documents, the city’s decision to purchase and recognize significant buildings for our black and brown community. And so when they were looking at the McKinney building, the Boone County Historical Society has put together a documentation talking about some of like, the legendary jazz musicians that have been in this place and had played there,” Buffaloe says.
Count Basie performed in the McKinney building years ago. Mayor Buffaloe spoke on 939 the Eagle’s “Randy Tobler show”, telling listeners that she envisions creating a committee to look into what to do with the building. Some want it to be a museum, while others envision community gathering space.
Mayor Buffaloe says she’s heard grumbling from some residents who say the city’s purchase of the McKinney building downtown would be better spent on other projects. Columbia is using its capital investment income account to fund the $1.7-million project. Mayor Barbara Buffaloe tells listeners that funds that comes from utilities cannot be used for something like this. She also says these funds cannot be used for utility expenses:
“I’ve definitely heard people say, well why don’t you just, you know, get more recycling trucks and recycling drivers. You know, it’s a different pot of money, but I wish. I would gladly have curbside recycling tomorrow,” says Buffaloe.
The two-story McKinney building on East Broadway is next to Plaza Tire.
