Molzer Development Newsletter #10

The Aladdin: Knocking Down Walls & Fine-Tuning the Budget

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind at the Aladdin. We took a major step forward with our wall-breaking ceremony—a moment that symbolized more than just demolition; it marked the official beginning of transforming this historic landmark into something truly special. Standing alongside our team, city officials, and supporters, swinging that golden sledgehammer was a reminder of how far we’ve come and the work that still lies ahead.

The PR received from the event was overwhelming and amazing. See the attached video & article links below for your viewing pleasure (Thanks Fox4 for spelling my name wrong!)

But behind the excitement of tearing down walls is the reality of development—digging into the budget, line by line, to ensure every dollar is spent wisely. Historic renovations come with their own set of challenges, and the Aladdin is no exception. Value engineering has been the name of the game lately, as we scrutinize every detail to balance quality with cost-effectiveness.

Diving Into the Details

When dealing with a historic building, every element matters—from the grand features guests will immediately notice to the behind-the-scenes components that ensure everything functions smoothly. We’ve been evaluating every piece of the puzzle, including:

• Lighting Selections – Finding fixtures that honor the building’s character without breaking the budget. Properties don’t need to be lit up like the sun; you just need methodically placed lights and fixtures.

• Tile Choices – Striking a balance between high-end aesthetics and cost-efficient alternatives. The tile selections we have finalized are absolutely stunning & match the vibe we wanted without sacrificing a kidney to get them!

• Trim Work – Determining where to add intricate historic details and where to simplify for efficiency. Hallways for example is an area residents won’t spend their time; keep it simple!

• Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing (MEP) Systems – Lucky for future residents, the Aladdin will feature all new MEP systems; plumbing, electrical, HVAC, fire suppression, etc. Finding savings here requires plenty of meetings with the engineering team & architect to find creative solutions.

• FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment) – Selecting pieces that enhance the experience without excessive costs.

A Constant Balancing Act

Restoring the Aladdin isn’t just about preserving its past—it’s about making it viable for the future. That means ensuring the numbers work, not just in construction but also in long-term operations. We’re continuing to push through financing milestones, with the final development closing expected later this month or in early March.

This process is about making tough decisions—trimming excess without compromising on the vision. It’s about finding efficiencies, negotiating the best deals, and staying disciplined on costs so that when the Aladdin reopens, it’s not only stunning but also financially sound.

More Than a Project—A Transformation

Watching the walls come down and the new vision take shape is a powerful thing. The Aladdin is more than just another development—it’s a piece of Kansas City’s history being given new life. We’re building something that will stand the test of time, combining the best of the past with a vision for the future.

There’s a lot more work to do, but with every decision, every adjustment, and every swing of the sledgehammer, we’re moving closer to making this a reality. Appreciate everyone following along—excited to share more as we keep pushing forward!

If you want to watch the behind the scenes as we redevelop this 100 year old building, make sure you are following along on our Instagram/ Facebook using this link: https://www.instagram.com/molzerdevelopment/#

Videos from the wall-breaking & other PR involving the Aladdin & Molzer Development:

Godspeed,

Zach Molzer