Shared Spaces: Mohart J. Multipurpose FOCUS Center
Situated at the corner of 32nd Street and Wayne Avenue in Kansas City, Mo., the Robert J. Mohart Multipurpose FOCUS Center serves as Shared Space for nonprofit organizations and a common ground for a variety of civic life in the metro area.
As a Shared Space for the nonprofit community, the Mohart Multipurpose Center (formerly the Linwood Multipurpose Center) provides office space for a unique blend of nonprofit organizations that serve Greater Kansas City. Current tenants of the space include AltCap, a mission-driven community development financial institution; Mothers in Charge KC,a support network for families of victims of violent crimes; and the Greater Kansas City Housing Information Center, a comprehensive housing counseling service for at risk families and individuals.
Shared Spaces like the Mohart Multipurpose Center reduce overhead costs and allow organizations to focus more resources and energy on furthering their missions.
“We have definitely enjoyed the opportunity to work with and collaborate with other tenants like the Minority Contractors Association,” said Ruben Alonso III, President of AltCap. “The space has allowed us to reduce operating costs and have access to shared amenities like kitchen and boardrooms.”
In addition to being a Shared Space for nonprofit organization, The Mohart Multipurpose Center stays busy hosting a variety of community events with auditorium and multipurpose space. These events bring together community members from all corners of Greater Kansas City. A recent sampling of events including a panel discussion for BlackTech Week KC; a construction industry career fair, a townhall meeting with Sen. Claire McCaskill; and digital inclusion computer classes. The Mohart Multipurpose Center was also recently the venue for the second installment of the Mayor’s Race and Equity Conversation Series: Socialization and Bias.
Since its original construction in 1908, the space has served as a place of worship, a Masonic temple, and now a social services and community center. The space saw expansions built in 1974 and more recent renovations began in 2006 to create an ADA-compliant space that would provide health, recreation, social and community services.
The multipurpose center is named to honor former Neighborhood and Community Services Director Robert J. Mohart, whose strong dedication to community advocacy and neighborhood groups marked his 31-years career with the City.
The Human Services Division of the Neighborhood and Community Services Department manages the Mohart Center, providing administrative and support services. Nonprofit organization or government agencies interested in using the space may contact the City of Kansas City, Missouri’s General Services at gsd.generalservices@kcmo.org.
