1874 Kansas City landmark saved from demolition, to house restaurant and flats

In 1874, a historic building in Kansas City known as the Seiden s Furs building was saved from demolition after part of its roof collapsed and city inspectors declared it unsafe. The property, located at 935 Broadway, is considered the oldest surviving commercial building in downtown Kansas City's Downtown Loop. Developer Chris Sally bought the property in October 2023 following an emergency demolition order issued by city officials.

The building had been in disrepair since July 2021 when heavy rainfall caused a roof collapse. City inspectors ordered emergency removal efforts, leading to a multi-year effort to save the landmark. Major cleaning and structural repairs were required, including the removal of over 20 dumpsters of debris and dangerous standing water from the basement.

The Seiden s Furs building, originally built as a drug store in 1874 and later converted into a fur shop in 1935, is now being transformed into a Midwestern restaurant called Loretta Jean's. The upper floors will be converted into apartments. The restaurant will feature a preserved walk-in fur storage vault, vintage advertising posters, and original fashion mannequins to maintain the building's historic character.

Loretta Jean's, developed by chef Rick Mullins and Candice Moore, is expected to open in autumn 2026. The project has received a 2025 Historic Kansas City Preservation Award for Neighborhood Stabilization. This rescue is part of a growing effort to protect old and damaged historic buildings downtown, with similar successes including the Cosby Hotel, a 1881 building that was also saved from demolition.