Voters in Independence are being asked to decide whether to fund long-term improvements to five historic, city-owned sites. Early voting is already under way on General Obligation Bond Question No. 1, which would address deferred maintenance and restoration at the Bingham-Waggoner Estate, the Vaile Mansion, the Truman Memorial Building, Old Fire Station No. 1 and the 1827 Log Courthouse.
The 20-year bond would raise $19.9 million to overhaul and restore the properties and to create a 20-year business plan for the city's historic buildings. The question needs a 60% majority to pass.
The proposal follows the defeat of a $12 million bond for historic sites in 2025. In April 2026, consultants from PGAV Planners delivered a master plan that suggested the city consider handing the Vaile Mansion and the Bingham-Waggoner Estate to private buyers for a token $1, citing the condition of the buildings. Brent Schondelmeyer, of the Save our Historic Sites campaign, said that idea spurred residents into action. "Why would you want to sell off your history to some other party?" he asked.
If approved, the bond would be repaid through higher property taxes. The City of Independence estimates the increase at less than $30 per year for a home of the average city value, $173,000. All five sites would also offer free admission to city residents until the bonds are retired.
Supporters point to tourism as part of the case. The Independence Chamber of Commerce says tourism brings in roughly $50 million annually and supports more than 1,200 jobs in hospitality, retail and food service. Former Mayor Eileen Weir, who served 10 years on the City Council, said she has seen no organized opposition and no opposition yard signs or billboards. She cautioned that this does not guarantee passage, but noted that citizen satisfaction surveys consistently show voters want to preserve local history.
The largest share, more than $6.6 million, would go to the Bingham-Waggoner Mansion and Estate at 313 W. Pacific Ave. Work would include chimney repointing and capping, repairs to porch balusters, railings and columns, and replacement of damaged trim ahead of exterior repainting. The estate was once the home of Missouri artist George Caleb Bingham, who bought it in 1864.
About $4 million would go toward the crumbling exterior of the Second Empire-style Vaile Mansion at 1500 N. Liberty St. Pam Fulmer of the Vaile Victorian Society's board said the city is responsible for exterior repairs and that much of that work has been delayed, which only raises costs. The home needs deteriorating wood ornamentation replaced and its masonry repointed.
The Truman Memorial Building, at 416 W. Maple Ave., would receive a little more than $1 million for interior drywall and painting, replacement of cast stone surrounds and exterior repainting. Built in 1925 as a tribute to World War I veterans, it now serves as a community and recreation center. Old Fire Station No. 1, at 223 N. Main St., would get $1 million to repair its facade and masonry and restore south-side windows. Richard Webb, president of the Independence 76 Fire Company, said severe weather in early September during SantaCaliGon Days worsened existing problems and the building was briefly closed to the public.
The 1827 Log Courthouse, at 107 W. Kansas Ave., would receive an estimated $750,000. According to the city, it needs urgent repairs, including replacing deteriorating logs, rebuilding the front porch and columns, installing a new shingle roof and restoring all windows and doors.
