In a country where relatively few large urban buildings date back more than 150 years, one of Kansas City’s oldest surviving downtown structures is being given a second life.
According to Axios Kansas City, the former Seiden’s Furs building at 10th and Broadway – originally opened in 1874 – is being restored after years of abandonment, fires and severe water damage.
The two-story brick building, believed to be the oldest structure in Kansas City’s downtown loop, once operated as a drugstore before later becoming part of the city’s historic Garment District during the 20th century.
Developer Chris Sally, who purchased the property in 2023, described the project as one of the most difficult of his career.
“The structural engineer said catastrophic failure can happen at any time,” Sally told Axios. “I had to completely replace this entire roof, stabilize the entire building before I even bought it.”
The building had reportedly been filled with debris, mold-damaged fur coats and several inches of contaminated water after sitting vacant since 2007.
Sean O’Byrne, vice president of the Downtown Council, recalled touring the building before restoration work began.
“My right leg, all the way up to my hip,” O’Byrne told Axios after falling through part of the upper floor. “The roof was gone, and the floor was rotten away.”
The restored building is expected to house a new restaurant called Loretta Jean’s, along with apartments on the upper floor. A basement cocktail bar named Josephine’s is also planned.
The restoration comes amid broader preservation efforts in Kansas City, where officials have proposed stronger rules for neglected historic buildings.
Sally said the project is ultimately about preserving part of the city’s architectural history rather than simply opening another restaurant.
“It’s going to be around for another 150 years,” he said.
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