Nestled within the heart of Kansas City’s Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center Health Living Campus, a vibrant hub of community empowerment and innovation has taken flight: the Propeller Building. The facility, aptly named for its mission to propel individuals and organizations forward, will be a beacon of hope and opportunity in the culturally diverse Northeast Kansas City community.
Anchored by the Jim Nunnelly Community Room, the Propeller Building encompasses a variety of essential spaces within its 4,000 square feet. The dedicated 3,000-square-foot area will serve as a hub for community education on health care, relationships, mentoring, and event hosting. The components are a fitting tribute to Jim Nunnelly, a consummate health care advocate who collaborated with Dr. Samuel U. Rodgers to enhance access to quality care, particularly in underserved communities.
Nunnelly’s legacy as a dedicated advocate is deeply ingrained in the Propeller Building’s mission to educate and empower the community on health care issues. His collaborative efforts with Dr. Rodgers underscore the importance of community engagement and health care access—principles that continue to guide the center’s initiatives today.
“The Propeller Building is a place where the community will learn about opportunities to help them thrive,” commented Bob Theis, CEO of Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center. “Education is the key to everything in life. Being able to connect the dots on how we can improve our health, wealth, and prosperity are just a few areas of what we can do within the walls of the Propeller Building and the Jim Nunnelly Community Room.”
Fourteen years ago, the groundwork for the Propeller Building, pediatric wing, and Sam Rodgers Place was laid. By 2015, a coalition comprising the Housing Authority of Kansas City, the City of Kansas City, Missouri, Brinshore Development, United Way of Greater Kansas City, Sam Rodgers Health Center, and Northeast community groups collaborated to secure a $30 million Choice Neighborhoods Grant, from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), for the Paseo Gateway District. This large award created a strong private-public partnership to carry out these ambitious initiatives, and it was further strengthened by matching local investments.
The Propeller Building is a testament to the community’s commitment and collaborative efforts for its own growth and development. Inside its walls, conference rooms will buzz with the energy of brainstorming sessions, and local entrepreneurs will utilize the business center for their ventures. A fully-equipped kitchen will be ready to support catered events, complemented by a flexible classroom area that hosts health lectures, educational courses, and cultural celebrations honoring diverse heritages. There will also be space for Sam Rodgers to house three Health Insurance Navigators to assist anyone in the community who needs help applying for MOHealthNet or the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Versatility lies at the heart of the Propeller Building’s success, offering a dynamic platform where nonprofits can organize fundraising events, small businesses can secure office space, and residents can engage in fitness classes and cultural activities that enrich their lives.
An impressive gathering of community leaders, stakeholders, community advocates, and health care advocates attended the Propeller Building groundbreaking ceremony. Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas spoke about the potential to stimulate economic growth and improve health care access in Northeast Kansas City.
Local business leaders highlighted the building’s role in revitalizing the local economy and fostering entrepreneurship within the community. Their presence underscored the collaborative efforts that made the Propeller Building a reality and signaled a commitment to supporting sustainable development in the neighborhood.
A Touch of Art Blooms at Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center
Adjacent to the Propeller Building stands Legacy Park, recently enriched by the addition of “Trio,” a monumental sculpture by renowned artist Rita Blitt. Standing 26 feet tall and spanning 15 feet wide, “Trio” adds an artistic flourish to the park’s natural beauty, enhancing its role as a peaceful retreat with walking trails and native vegetation.
Blitt, celebrated for her captivating sculptures and paintings, has a deep connection to Kansas City and Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center, having generously donated artworks that have adorned the center’s interior for more than a decade.
Together, the Propeller Building and “Trio” at Legacy Park symbolize Kansas City’s spirit of innovation, community resilience, and artistic expression, grounded in a commitment to diversity and culturally competent care. Whether you’re exploring the collaborative energy of the Propeller Building or marveling at Blitt’s towering sculpture, these landmarks serve as reminders of the transformative power of art, cultural celebration, and community in shaping a brighter future for Northeast Kansas City.
