If you’ve ever wandered through UMKC’s campus, you’ve probably come across the sprawling lawn and castle-like facade of the Epperson House. Built in 1920 by insurance tycoon Uriah Epperson, the 24,000-sqft, 54-room mansion was eventually acquired by the University of Missouri Kansas City and has sat empty for over a decade... until now.
A local development group is set to bring new life to the property, transforming it into a a 14-room boutique hotel complete with:
Small library bar + café
Full-service restaurant
Intimate event space
Hydrothermal spa, “offering body and facial treatments, ancient European baths, hot and cold therapies,” and wellness retreats
History-lovers, put down your pitchforks. All these new additions will be balanced with historic preservation of the home’s unique features — like its ornate woodwork and indoor swimming pool — led by Heritage Consulting Group.
Anxious to see inside? “Within the next few years” is as close to a timeline as you’ll get — meanwhile, we recommend daydreaming of future staycations and wedding receptions inside its brick + stone walls. Now, about those ghosts...
Events
Events
Wednesday, Jan. 15
Coloring Night | Wednesday, Jan. 15 | 5 p.m. | Casual Animal Brewing Co. | Free | Level up a low-key night by grabbing a brew and settling in to decorate a blank coaster or animal coloring sheet.
Thursday, Jan. 16
90s Music Bingo Night | 6-8 p.m. | Vine Street Brewing Co. | Free | Throw it back with DJ Daz One spinning 90s jams, cold beer, and big prizes — but don’t arrive fashionably late, space is limited to the first 60 people.
Friday, Jan. 17
Economic Trends: Navigating Growth and Challenges in KC | 7:30-9 a.m. | Kauffman Foundation Conference Center | $0+ | Gain valuable insights on the metro’s economic landscape and better understand the forces that impact your community with the Assistant VP of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.
Winter Jam Tour 2025 | 7-10 p.m. | T-Mobile Center | $15+ | Give a $15 donation at the door and gain access to one of Christian music’s biggest tours, featuring artists like Skillet, Anne Wilson, and KB.
Saturday, Jan. 18
Lunar New Year Festival | 3-9:15 p.m. | Midwest Trust Center, Overland Park | $0+ | The lineup for this vibrant celebration includes Chinese folk dancing, traditional painting and paper cutting, tai chi, family photo booths, and games.
Sunday, Jan. 19
Sunday Funday: Bottomless Bubbles | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Parlor | $30 | Treat yourself to bottomless mimosas, bloody marys, and beermosas before taking the party upstairs to its covered + heated patio.
Brown Sugar Lab: Network. Collaborate. Create. | 12-3 p.m. | TBA | $20 | Work with other like-minded women on achieving your business goals through co-working, networking, and collaborating — plus, snacks and drinks are provided.
Are we sure the TARDIS can handle these kinds of crowds? Scottish actor David Tennant, best known for his role as the Tenth Doctor in sci-fi TV show “Doctor Who,” will attend this year’s Planet Comicon Kansas City. The event’s founder says it’s been a long time coming. (Kansas City Star)
Number
256. That’s how many electric vehicle charging points the city plans to install with the help of an $11.8 million federal grant. The project aims to expand EV infrastructure across urban + suburban areas, including adding 100 new charging stations “accessible without restrictions” — half of which will be located in underserved areas. (Startland News)
Eat
Diners have five more days to dig in to Kansas City Restaurant Week before it ends this Sunday, Jan. 19. That’s just 15 more meals. With a prix fixe cap of $55, may we suggest sampling a multi-course meal from trendy, new spots like Prima Facie Bistro or Blanc Champagne Bar.
Development
A new mixed-use project is on the way for 80th and Metcalf, the site of a former Winstead’s Steakburgers. The building’s 226 apartments and 5,000 sqft of groundfloor retail is the latest move in a decade of development for downtown Overland Park. No construction timeline has been announced. (Johnson County Post)
Try This
Batter up! The third annual Royals Rally is coming to Kauffman Stadium on Saturday, Feb. 1, featuring autograph sessions, roundtable discussions with players, and a chance to show off your skills in the visitor’s batting cage. Check out additional events and secure your $25 GA ticket.
Job
Ready to get connected with the best local talent in 2025? We created our community job board just for you. Give it a try by posting your first listing for free.
The Buy
The Buy
Bananagrams. The award-winning family game is travel-friendly + perfect for all ages. Bonus: Add a little chaos to family game night when you try the party edition features 14 new tiles with challenges and hijinks.
ICYMI — while you were slipping and sliding down your driveway, the penguins Yoshi, Jackie, and Gorgonzola at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium were living their best lives. I guess the never-melting snow isn’t that bad...
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