The historic Ritz Theatre in downtown Baxter Springs, Kansas, has been put on the market.
The property at 1145 Military Ave. (aka Route 66) is being listed by Burton Real Estate in nearby Frontenac, Kansas, for $235,000.
Here’s what the listing states:
Step into a piece of American history with the iconic Ritz Theatre, a treasured landmark located on Historic Route 66 in downtown Baxter Springs, Kansas. Originally opened in 1926—the same year Route 66 was established—the Ritz has welcomed generations of moviegoers, visitors, and community members through its doors and remains one of the most recognizable buildings along Kansas’ historic Route 66 corridor.
Offering approximately 4,930 square feet, 235 theater seats, and two bathrooms, this remarkable property presents a rare opportunity to own a destination property with nearly a century of history. Originally serving as Baxter Springs’ premier movie theater, the building has long been a symbol of the community’s entertainment and cultural heritage.
Today, the Ritz Theatre is ready for its next chapter. Continue its legacy as a theater, transform it into a live performance venue, event center, wedding venue, community arts space, museum, specialty retail destination, restaurant, brewery, or bring an entirely new vision to life. The combination of historic character, recognizable branding, and Route 66 tourism creates opportunities beyond a traditional commercial property.
Situated in the heart of Baxter Springs’ historic district, the property benefits from year-round visitors traveling the Mother Road from across the United States and around the world. Buyers may wish to explore potential historic preservation grants, redevelopment incentives, tax credits, and restoration programs that could be available through local, state, federal, or preservation organizations. Whether your goal is preservation, restoration, business development, or creating a one-of-a-kind destination, this is an opportunity to own a landmark, preserve a legacy, and shape the future of one of Southeast Kansas’ most beloved historic properties.
The Ritz in 2018 screened its first movie in over 60 years. Owner Ron Puckett earned a $90,000 grant from the Kansas Historical Society to help restore the venue.
The Ritz seats 488 people, according to Cinema Treasures.
The building was originally constructed in the 1880s as a dry-goods and clothing store by wounded Civil War veteran John M. Cooper before it was converted into a theater in 1926.
The Ritz was sold in 1957 and became the Blue Castle Cafe. It also served as a floral shop and a church, as well.
It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2014.
(Image of the Ritz Theatre in Baxter Springs, Kansas, via Burton Real Estate)
