How Chateau Avalon’s owner transformed a former bank into this Mint condition events venue
February 9, 2024 | Startland News Staff
A former Bank of America building in Johnson County has been reimagined as an 18,000-square-foot bank-themed venue with a nod to the site’s rich financial history, said Steve Beaumont.
“For 50 years, this has been a financial institution on this corner,” said Beaumont, describing the in-the-works setting off 95th Street in Lenexa. “We knew we had the opportunity to offer a unique and memorable experience, integrating elements from the bank’s history into the new space.”
The Mint in Lenexa; rendering courtesy of Steve Beaumont
Construction at “The Mint” is expected to be complete in April — and reservations already are being taken, he added.
Bank of America departed the 12345 W. 95th St. site in June 2023. Beaumont, who has held the property for 25 years, seized the opportunity to create the most unique event space in Johnson County and one of the biggest by square feet in the metro, he said.
Its all-encompassing renovation includes the interior and the transformation of six drive-thru bank teller lanes on the west side into a second event space called The Benjamin Hall.
The Vault bar repurposes the former vault with 18-inch thick concrete and steel walls with gold lighting and several repurposed safety deposit boxes from the original bank. A 5,000-pound vault door will be used as the main entrance to the bar.
Crews spent days removing 2,500-pound concrete blocks to create a second door, showing guests how thick these walls are, noted Beaumont, who is also the owner of Chateau Avalon Hotel and Avent Orangery in Kansas City.
Click here to explore The Mint.
The venue’s east side lounge features Kansas City’s first Opti-Mist vapor hologram fireplace above black velvet furniture. Beaumont designed a secret door from the outside into the event for Brides and Grooms to make a surprise entry.
The Mint is set to offer a range of spaces, including a buffet line with a beverage area, a prep kitchen for caterers, and two private lounges. A bridal suite, spanning 1,100 square feet, features a lounge area, makeup room for seven bridesmaids, vanity space, and a bedroom with a full bathroom and walk-in shower. Downstairs, an arcade space provides entertainment for groomsmen before the event and children during events.
The coupe de gras, Beaumont noted, is the “Groom Saloon” on the lower level. This contemporary-western suite has custom murals, lockers for up to seven groomsmen, and the first open sky, subterranean cigar lounge in the metro.
The venue caters to wedding and corporate events and is equipped with technology for virtual meetings and global live streaming. The west wall will showcase a giant projection screen, utilizing advanced stitching technology for a seamless display.
Innovating its approach to event decor, The Mint encourages couples to showcase their centerpieces and decor, which the venue will then purchase, inventory, and create a showroom for rental. This unique concept simplifies the cleanup process for couples.
Beaumont is collaborating with Lenexa-based Klover Architects and Overland Park-based MKEC Engineering Inc. to bring The Mint to life.
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