Built in 1927, The Blue Note at 17 N. Ninth Street began life as the Varsity Theater.
In 1998, it became the first commercial building named to the Most Notable Properties List by the Columbia Historic Preservation Commission.
The Blue Note is a thriving live music venue in an old historic theatre.
It is the only theatre in the North Ninth Street Historic District with both interior and exterior integrity according to historic documents. It was included in the North Ninth Street Historic District Jan. 21, 2004. It is Renaissance Revival style theatre style, per the Downtown Columbia Historic District NRHP form, http://www.dnr.mo.gov/shpo/nps-nr/06000990.pdf.
Media coverage:
- March 28, 2017 — Old Coca-Cola plant, former Varsity Theatre take Cornerstones honors, Columbia Missourian. A new program called Cornerstones of Columbia is being launched by Brent Gardner. The first two buildings to be honored are 17 N. Ninth St., which now houses The Blue Note, and 10 Hitt St., which now houses Ragtag Cinema, Uprise Bakery and Hitt Records.
- Richard King sells The Blue Note, Mojo’s — Columbia Daily Tribune, July 10, 2014.
- Richard King passes torch, sells The Blue Note, Mojo’s — Columbia Missouri, July 9, 2014.
