The Kansas Historic Hotel Workshop held in Waterville, Kansas, October 9, 2009 was a huge success with nearly 60 attendees from Kansas and several states.  Thank you to the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Weaver Hotel for their support and hospitality.


Attendee at the Kansas Historic Hotel Workshop, Weaver Hotel, Waterville, Kansas

Historic Hotel Workshop Agenda

Thursday, October 8

5:30 p.m. Optional tour of hotel and downtown

7:00 p.m. Meet and greet

Friday, October 9

8:30 a.m. Opening Round table Discussion

A participant from each community/project will briefly present what they hope to learn.

Facilitator - Marci Penner, Kansas Sampler Foundation, Inman

9:15 a.m. Assessing Project Feasibility

How do you decide what to do with an empty building? Do you consider joint ventures with public and private component? A non-profit owner? A for profit owner? What does a developer look for in a project? What about taking a "home-grown" approach to development? What uses should be considered: hotel, restaurant, condos, rental units, office space?

10:30 a.m. The Rehabilitation Process: Architectural and Financial Considerations

Once you have settled on a use, what are the financial and architectural considerations in moving forward with a rehabilitation project?

12:30 p.m. Lunch

1:15 p.m. Developing a Business Plan for Your Project

A business plan is a critical element to successful operations of a project.  What are the elements of such a plan?

2:15 p.m. Operations, Marketing and Tying Into Tourism

Once your project is finished, the real fun begins! To operate a successful project you have to make sure others know about it.  How do you capitalize on rural tourism opportunities?

3:30 - 3:45 p.m. Break

3:45 p.m. Case Studies: Putting It All Together

5:00 p.m. Conclude