Historic 1888 Kansas City Building Set for Demolition — Here’s What’s Coming Next

Historic 1888 Jeserich Building Set for Demolition: What’s Next for 31st & Main?

Image source: Kansas city star

Kansas City’s Union Hill neighborhood is poised for significant change as the historic Jeserich Building, an 1888 architectural landmark known for its Queen Anne turrets and bow windows, is scheduled for demolition. Alongside three adjacent structures, the four-building complex at 31st and Main Streets will be cleared to make way for future mixed-use development.

Demolition Driven by Safety Concerns

Despite concerted efforts by Historic Kansas City and neighborhood preservation advocates to save the buildings, multiple structural assessments found the properties to be unsafe. Inspectors reported extensive deterioration, including collapsed roofing, failing masonry, water intrusion, mold growth, and foundational instability. The damage was deemed too severe for feasible restoration.

Following formal evaluation, the city placed the complex on its dangerous buildings list, a designation that supersedes historic protections and authorizes expedited demolition for public safety.

Future Development Plans

The new owners, Thirty-First and Main LLC, plan to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for redevelopment of the site. While final plans will depend on developer submissions, the property is expected to support:

• Apartments or mixed-use residential

• Commercial office or retail concepts

• Expanded facilities for the Union Hill Animal Hospital at 3025 Main St., which will continue operations and address rising community demand

Partner Thomas Feyerabend Jr. of Thirty-First and Main Properties LLC noted that the objective is to “set the standard for development along Main Street,” combining modern infrastructure with sensitivity to the district’s historic context.

Neighborhood Context

The demolition comes amid a wave of investment reshaping the Union Hill and Midtown corridors:

• ArriveKC Apartments — A $130 million luxury development replacing the former Trinity Lutheran Hospital site, delivering 371 upscale units by early 2027

• Union Hill Streetcar Stop — Improved transit access expected to elevate walkability, connectivity, and surrounding property values

These projects, along with the Jeserich site redevelopment, are transforming Union Hill into a vibrant, transit-oriented district.

Historic Significance

The Jeserich and Ward buildings were previously listed on the Kansas City Register of Historic Places, reflecting their cultural and architectural importance. Preservation advocates say the loss underscores ongoing concerns surrounding “demolition by neglect,” in which long-term disrepair renders historically significant structures irreparable.

“These buildings told the story of turn-of-the-century Main Street,” preservationists note, highlighting the structures’ role in shaping Union Hill’s historic fabric.

Opportunities for Investors and Developers

The 31st and Main site represents a high-impact redevelopment opportunity in Midtown Kansas City, offering:

• Direct access to expanding streetcar transit infrastructure

• Proximity to downtown jobs, hospitals, and entertainment districts

• Strong demand for residential, commercial, and mixed-use offerings

• Potential for incorporating community-focused amenities, including veterinary services, retail, or public gathering spaces

As Union Hill evolves, the redevelopment of this storied corner will play a central role in shaping the future of Main Street and the broader Midtown landscape.

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