3 ghost signs in Kansas City’s Crossroads explained
It’s spooky season once again, so we’re back with some ghost (sign) stories from Kansas City’s past.
What is a ghost sign? Think: faded, painted advertisements. Given Kansas City’s rich history, KC ghost signs are everywhere. Many of these stories are lost to time and weather, but here’s what we learned about three visible signs in the Crossroads.
Freight House
101 W. 22nd St., Kansas City, MO
We hope you came hungry.
Photo by KCtoday
All aboard the flavor train. This old warehouse is home to three award-winning restaurants: Lidia’s, Jack Stack Barbecue, and Grünaur. Editor Travis has eaten at each + never had a bad meal.
The building was constructed in 1887 to house goods unloaded from trains. This was before Union Station even existed. Like many old buildings downtown, it fell into disrepair until Wichita developer Dan Clothier renovated the space in 1995. Lidia’s opened in 1998, and while painted signs may be fading, historical markers remain.
Bunting-Stone Hardware
2012 Baltimore Ave., Kansas City, MO
Just like the exterior signs, the building’s use has historic implications.
Photo by KCtoday
George Bunting was a traveling salesmen before settling in Kansas City in 1901, opening a hardware store. The company had two buildings, including this one in the Crossroads. This building served as a wholesale + shipping warehouse, according to an original letter.
Ultimately, the space was taken over in 1985 by Jim Leedy, a trailblazing artist + professor of sculpture at the Kansas City Art Institute. He founded the Leedy-Voulkos Art Center, which provides professional resources and gallery space for artists. This staple of Crossroads art was one of the first in the district.
The Rieger Hotel
1922 Main St., Kansas City, MO
We’re manifest(o)ing a comeback.
Photo by KCtoday
This hotel dates back to 1915, built by the J. Rieger & Co. family. The building is listed on the National Registry for Historic Places, and this mural was originally created to advertise the family whiskey. Even while the distilling company closed due to Prohibition, the hotel remained open.
A speakeasy (Manifesto) and the restaurant (Grill & Exchange) opened around the turn of the last decade — during which the mural was resurrected. The businesses closed in 2020 due to the pandemic, and the sign has yet again begun to fade. However, rooms are still available — as luxury Vrbo rentals.
Soundings: An Exhibition in Five Parts | Thu., Oct. 20 | 12-5 p.m. | 4415 Warwick Blvd., Kansas City, MO | Free | Featuring newly commissioned scores, performances, videos, sculptures and sound by Indigenous and other artists.
Tell-Tale Electric Poe | Thu., Oct. 20 | 7-8 p.m. | Coterie Theatre, 2450 Grand Ave., Kansas City, MO | $12.00-$15.00 | Experience Edgar Allen Poe’s stories and poems with live music to create the (necessary) spooky Poe ambience. 📖
Friday, October 21
Art Course | Fri., Oct. 21-Sun., Oct. 23 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, 4525 Oak St., Kansas City | $16.00 | See a creative interpretation of a work of art in the museum’s collection at each of the 9 holes on this mini course. ⛳️
Ghost Light 2022 | Fri., Oct. 21 | 5:30-9:30 p.m. | Roanoke Park, 3601 Roanoke Rd., Kansas City, MO | $0+| Enjoy a free frightful night for the whole family with songs and stories from KC’s Cultural Crossroads.
Majors House Ghost Tours | Fri., Oct. 21 | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Alexander Majors House, 8201 State Line Rd., Kansas City, MO | $20.00 | Uncover legends that swirl around the museum with a cocktail in a collectible cup. 👻
Saturday, October 21
Make Your Own Glass Pumpkin | Sat., Oct. 22 | 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. | Belger Glass Annex, 1219 E. 19th St., Kansas City, MO | $50.00 | Professional glass blowers guide you through the process of adding color and shaping molten glass. 🔥
Kansas City Mavericks | Sat., Oct. 22 | 7:05 p.m. | Cable Dahmer Arena | $12.00-$55.00 | Join KC’s hockey team for the Home Opener Barn Party, including a promotional cow bell + pregame petting zoo. 🏒
Sunday, October 22
Walktober 2022: Little Blue Trace Trail | Sun., Oct. 23 | 12-2 p.m. | Hartman Heritage Park, 20140 E. Jackson Dr., Independence, MO | Commemorative Walktober buttons, designed by artist Liz Vargas, are available for the first 200 participants at each location.
Chiefs & Chatter | Sun., Oct. 23 | 3:25 p.m. | The Comedy Club of Kansas City, 1130 W. 103rd St., Kansas City, MO | $0+ | Three comedians back seat coach and commentate the Chiefs game (probably making better calls than the refs, anyway). 🏈
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
Advanced mail-in voting is underway in Kansas for the general election on Tues., Nov. 8. Those who have applied + receive a ballot can mail in their votes or return them to an advance voting location by the end of Election Day. 🗳 (KMBC)
Health
Head to the Guadalupe Centers this Sat., Oct. 22 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. for a Women’s Wellness Fair. The event — at 1015 Avenida Cesar E. Chavez — includes health kits, mammograms, cancer screenings, bra fittings, and self-defense devices. The first 30 guests get a voucher for a food truck.
Sports
Are you toting teal yet? The official KC Currentsemifinal watch party is at KC Live! Block at Power & Light this Sun., Oct. 23. Catch the action on the big board along with drink specials + merch. The party starts at 5:30 p.m. — kickoff is at 6:30 p.m. ⚽️
Community
For the fans looking to experience some pre-game pride, Union Station is decked out in KC Currentflags — and even a signed ball. While you’re down there, check out Charlie Hustle’s KC Current collection.
Open
For anyone with a whole mouth of sweet teeth, Two Sugars is open for business — at 1412 Westport Rd., KCMO. The West Plaza café is modeled after the owner’s European experience, where patrons are encouraged to socialize instead of working by themselves. ☕️ (Kansas City Star)
Environment
KC Water is adding 41 green acres to the city as part of 40th + Monroe sewer separation project. The result will capture storm water runoff before it enters the sewers. You can learn more at a public pancake breakfast on Sat., Oct. 22 — at 3620 E. 39th St., KCMO. 🌳
Edu
UMKC is more than halfway to its $120 million goal for its new Healthcare Innovation and Delivery Building after a $30 million donation from the Sunderland Foundation. The state of Missouri contributed $40 million in July, with the rest to come from private funding. (Kansas City Business Journal)
Closing
Saint Luke’s Health System will close locations in Olathe + Shawnee before the end of the year, with the last day of emergency services on Fri., Dec. 23. The health system will shift its resources to its busier locations in Leawood, KCK, and Roeland Park. 🩺 (Kansas City Business Journal)
Seasonal
Who you gunna call? If you’re the Kansas City Zoo, the answer is obvious. The Midland Empire Ghostbusters will be available for photo ops (in between their ectoplasmic duties, of course) Saturday + Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 👻
Shop
Nothing screams fall like a cinnamon and clove scented candle. Or maybe you’re more of a pumpkin lover? Either way, This midwest-based Etsy seller’s hand poured candles are sure to impress. Bonus: They’re paraffin-free, phthalate-free, and made with coconut wax for a cleaner + longer burn.*
Learn
Did you know? Babbel offers multiple ways to learn a new language (think: lessons, podcasts, videos, and live online classes). KCtoday readers can choose from 14 languages with lessons that focus on practical, everyday phrases — plus useful tips and cultural knowledge to better understand the words they’re learning. Me encanta. 🗺️*
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Culture
Mixing remote work with playtime 🧸
Rough & Bumble mixes remote work with playtime
Channeling our inner child. | Photo from Rough & Bumble
We know working from home can provide a lot of flexibility, and parents of young children can use all the flexibility they can get. However, we know it’s probably not ideal to have the kiddos pop into your client video calls.
Rough & Bumble KC is a unique solution to the problem. The new business — at 638 S. 130th St., Bonner Springs, KS — is a self-described play café “where co-working and parenthood meet.”
The coffee shop-play zone combination provides work stations for adults and supervised programming for children.
Let the balloons and fun colors inspire your next marketing campaign.
Photo from Rough & Bumble
“Our mission is to provide a hive for the community, where parents & caregivers can work or relax, while their little ones play in a safe & clean environment.” — Rough & Bumble
The company is hosting a grand opening party on Sat., Nov. 12 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. including balloon artists, T-shirts, and half-off play. Tickets are $14.
Editor’s pick: The KCtoday team got lunch at Classic Cup on the Plaza — 301 W. 47th St., KCMO. I had the chicken pot pie, which came deconstructed with a salted puff pastry placed on top of a soup-like concoction. With a side Caesar salad, I was feeling very classic.
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