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?

Kansas City’s Union Hill neighborhood is preparing for a major transformation as the Jeserich Building, a distinctive 1888 structure featuring Queen Anne turrets and bow windows, is slated for demolition. Along with three adjoining buildings, the four-building complex at 31st and Main Streets will make way for future mixed-use development.

Photo by Aiden Tieulie

Demolition Driven by Safety Concerns

Despite efforts by Historic Kansas City and neighborhood preservationists to save the property, structural assessments concluded that the buildings are unsafe. Reports cited collapsed roofing, deteriorated masonry, water damage, mold, and structural instability, deeming restoration financially and practically unfeasible. Following city inspections, the complex was placed on the dangerous buildings list, which overrides historic protections and allows expedited demolition.

Future Development Plans

The property’s new owners, Thirty-First and Main LLC, intend to issue an RFP (Request for Proposals) for future development. Plans will likely include:

• Apartments, commercial office space, retail, or mixed-use options
  
  
• Expansion of the Union Hill Animal Hospital at 3025 Main St., ensuring continued operations and meeting growing community demand
  
  

Thomas Feyerabend Jr., partner at Thirty-First and Main Properties LLC, stated that the goal is to “set the standard for development along Main Street,” balancing historic context with modern infrastructure and community needs.

Neighborhood Context

The demolition aligns with broader redevelopment trends in Union Hill, including:

• ArriveKC Apartments: A $130 million luxury residential project replacing the former Trinity Lutheran Hospital site, bringing 371 high-end apartments by early 2027
  
  
• The new Union Hill Streetcar stop, improving connectivity and enhancing property value in the area
  
  

Historic Significance

While the Jeserich and Ward buildings were listed on the Kansas City Register of Historic Places, the “demolition by neglect” designation allowed developers to move forward. Preservationists emphasize that these structures told the story of turn-of-the-century Main Street development and contributed to the neighborhood’s unique identity.

Photo by Kaique Rocha

Opportunities for Investors and Developers

This site represents a prime redevelopment opportunity in Midtown Kansas City, combining:

• Access to emerging transit infrastructure
  
  
• Proximity to downtown amenities
  
  
• A growing demand for residential, commercial, and mixed-use properties
  
  
• Potential for integrating community-focused facilities like veterinary services, retail, or recreational spaces

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