Kansas City landmark saved from demolition to house restaurant and flats
The 1874 Seiden's Furs building will be renovated into Loretta Jean's restaurant and residential apartments.
A historic building in Kansas City dating back to 1874 has been saved from demolition, according to the Times of India. The former Seiden's Furs building at 935 Broadway is being renovated into a Midwestern restaurant called Loretta Jean's and apartments on the upper floors.
Local developer Chris Sally purchased the property in October 2023 after city officials issued an emergency demolition order. The building was declared dangerous by inspectors after a large section of its roof collapsed during heavy rainfall in July 2021.
The renovation project involves significant structural repairs and cleaning. Workers removed over 20 dumpsters of rubbish and pumped out standing water from the basement. Restoration efforts include a new roof, repaired exterior brick mortar, and returning second-floor windows to their original sizes.
The new restaurant is being developed by chef Rick Mullins and Candice Moore. Plans include a private dining area or basement bar named Josephine's. The project received a 2025 Historic Kansas City Preservation Award for Neighborhood Stabilization and is expected to open in autumn 2026.
The building originally opened as the Brackett Brothers Drug Store. It became a fur shop in 1935 and operated as Seiden's Furs for many years. The redevelopment will preserve items such as a walk-in fur storage vault, an old metal safe, vintage advertising posters, and original fashion mannequins.