The McKinney Building is a historic two-story brick building located at 411 E. Broadway in Columbia, Missouri.

Venue: McKinney Hall
Town: Columbia, US

The McKinney Building is a historic two-story brick building located at 411 E. Broadway in Columbia, Missouri. Built in 1917 by Frank McKinney, a Black day laborer, the building served as an important cultural and social center for Columbia's African American community during the era of segregation. Its second-floor dance hall, known as McKinney Hall, hosted performances by prominent jazz musicians including Bennie Moten and Count Basie. It was one of the few venues in the city that welcomed Black patrons. Upon its completion one Kansas City, Missouri newspaper called it "the dream of the race realized" The building is one of 24 locations on Columbia's African American Heritage Trail and is situated near the historic Sharp End district, Second Baptist Church, and the home of pianist Blind Boone. The City of Columbia purchased the building in August 2023 for approximately $1.7 million, with plans to restore it as a cultural landmark. Frank "Fred" McKinney, a Black day laborer, saved money to purchase property on East Broadway and paid approximately $5,000 to construct the brick building in 1917. McKinney specifically designed the building to include public restrooms, which was significant during the Jim Crow era as it was one of the only buildings in Columbia where Black residents could access such facilities. The first floor housed a rotating series of storefronts, while the second floor operated as McKinney Hall, a community dance hall and gathering space. During the 1920s and 1930s, McKinney Hall became a prominent venue for jazz performances and community events. According to former promoter Edward Tibbs, speaking to the Columbia Missourian in 1981. Count Basie performed at the venue in 1932 and 1935 while still known as William Basie, a pianist inBennie Moten's Band. Sam Griffith, Director of Jazz Studies at the University of Missouri, has noted the building's historical significance, stating: "The fact that we have a venue that's still standing from those times