Historic Kansas City Building Saved From Demolition
A developer is renovating the 1874 structure at 935 Broadway into a restaurant and apartments.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Home Renovation
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Following a 2021 roof collapse, developer Chris Sally purchased the building at 935 Broadway in October 2023 to halt its demolition. The historic site is now being restored for a future multi-use purpose.
Why it matters
The project represents a successful effort to preserve local architecture that faced an emergency demolition order. It received a 2025 Historic Kansas City Preservation Award for Neighborhood Stabilization.
The 14,000-square-foot building, originally constructed in 1874, is undergoing an estimated $2.1 million in repairs. Workers have already cleared over 20 dumpsters of debris from the site.
The players
Chris Sally
He is the developer who acquired the property at 935 Broadway to prevent its demolition.
The details
Renovations include installing a new roof, repairing exterior mortar, and restoring original window sizes. Crews also removed abandoned stock and pumped out standing water from the basement.
Timeline
The building first opened as the Brackett Brothers Drug Store in 1874.
Heavy rainfall caused a large section of roof collapse in July 2021.
Chris Sally purchased the building in October 2023.
The project received a historic preservation award in 2025.
The restaurant is expected to open in autumn 2026.
Culture Shift
The restoration of the Seiden's Furs building reflects a broader urban trend toward adaptive reuse rather than demolition of legacy structures. This shift highlights a move by local developers to prioritize historical character and sustainability in downtown redevelopment.
Residents can anticipate the opening of Loretta Jean's restaurant in autumn 2026, which will bring new dining options to the Downtown Loop area. The project secures a landmark property, likely increasing the stability and appeal of the surrounding neighborhood.
The takeaway
Preserving historic architecture often requires significant structural investment, such as the repairs underway at this 19th-century site. Adaptive reuse projects can effectively transform endangered landmarks into viable community assets.
Further reading
Learn more about local preservation efforts in the Home Renovation section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Times of India.
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Should your city spend resources to preserve old, damaged buildings rather than demolishing them?
