Kansas City, January 15, 2026
News Summary
The historic Jeserich building, also known as the Tower Building, is being demolished as development plans progress in Kansas City. This notable structure, built in 1888, had been deemed structurally unsafe. The demolition process, initiated by Industrial Salvage & Wrecking, began with the removal of the top half of the building. The site, owned by Thirty-First and Main Properties LLC, is set for new development plans, including a larger animal hospital. Despite pushback from preservationist groups, city officials confirmed the need for demolition.
Kansas City
The historic Jeserich building, also known as the Tower Building, is being demolished as development plans unfold in Kansas City. The demolition began on a Friday with the removal of the top half of the building, including the iconic name “Jeserich.” This process is carefully handled by Industrial Salvage & Wrecking, which has been dismantling the first two stories by hand. The entire demolition is expected to be completed within a month, marking the end of an era for one of the oldest structures on Kansas City’s downtown Main Street corridor.
The Jeserich building, constructed in 1888, became a notable piece of history, just one year before Kansas City’s name was officially changed from City of Kansas to Kansas City in 1889. It is part of a four-building complex that also included the now-demolished 1905 Ward building. The current demolition is being conducted by Industrial Wrecking & Salvage Co. of Kansas City, which initiated the project in November.
The complex is owned by Thirty-First and Main Properties LLC, led by Thomas Feyerabend Jr., the owner of Union Hill Animal Hospital, which is located next door. Following the completion of the demolition, Feyerabend plans to issue requests for proposals for new development, which will include a larger animal hospital to replace the existing one.
Despite the ongoing demolition, there has been significant pushback from neighborhood and preservationist groups who sought to save the Jeserich building. In October 2022, the Kansas City Council placed the building on the Kansas City Register of Historic Places, which faced opposition from its former owners. However, concerns arose when the building was designated as structurally dangerous in August. City officials subsequently ordered its demolition after determining that it was beyond repair.
Feyerabend consulted engineers regarding the feasibility of salvaging the building, but their assessments concluded it was structurally unsound, which led to the current demolition process. Historical records indicate that the building remained unused following its designation for historic preservation, which ultimately did not provide a pathway for its continued existence.
The demolition of the Jeserich building signifies not only the physical alteration of Kansas City’s landscape but also reflects broader tensions between urban development and historical preservation. As new development plans are set into motion, the future of the site remains to be seen.
Key Information About the Jeserich Building Demolition
- Location: Northeast corner of 31st and Main streets, Kansas City
- Built: 1888
- Demolition Start Date: November 2022, with top half removed on a Friday
- Completion Timeframe: Expected within one month
- Owner: Thirty-First and Main Properties LLC, led by Thomas Feyerabend Jr.
- Current Plans: Proposal for a new, larger animal hospital
- Previous Designation: Kansas City Register of Historic Places as of October 2022
- Structural Status: Deemed unsafe and irreparable by city officials
FAQ
What is the Jeserich building?
The Jeserich building, also known as the Tower Building, was built in 1888 and is located on the northeast corner of 31st and Main streets in Kansas City. It is considered one of the oldest structures on Kansas City’s downtown Main Street corridor.
When did the demolition of the Jeserich building start?
The demolition of the building started with the top half being taken down on a Friday.
What are the plans for the site after demolition?
Thomas Feyerabend Jr. plans to send out requests for proposals for new development, which will include a new, larger animal hospital to replace the existing one.
Why was the Jeserich building demolished?
Despite attempts by neighborhood and preservationist groups to save it, the Jeserich building was deemed structurally unsound and unsafe by the city, leading to the order for demolition.
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Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
