Kansas City, October 24, 2025
909 Walnut / Historic Customs House Conversion
Originally built in 1884, the Customs House at 9th and Walnut Streets played a significant role in Kansas City’s history, serving public officials and hosting notable events such as President Grover Cleveland’s speech in 1887. In its early years, it featured architectural highlights including a tower with a bell and a large clock. The building was acquired by the Fidelity Trust Company in 1900, which operated there for three decades before relocating in 1931 to an art deco skyscraper on the same site. Following the Great Depression and subsequent uses as a Federal Office Building until 1997, the historic structure was transformed into luxury residential apartments known as 909 Walnut, blending rich historical significance with modern urban living.
News Summary
Kansas City is undergoing a dynamic transformation, notably highlighted by the repurposing of the historic Customs House into luxury apartments known as 909 Walnut. This development is paralleled by the rise of the Black Pickleball Club, fostering inclusivity in sports for the community. Founded by Brandan Jackson, the club aims to engage diverse age groups while providing alternative recreational options. These initiatives reflect the city’s commitment to honoring its historical roots while embracing modern cultural activities.
Kansas City Celebrates Historic Buildings and Community Spirit Through Pickleball and Cultural Events
Kansas City is experiencing a vibrant transformation as it celebrates its rich history and the growth of Pickleball, a sport that has been rapidly gaining popularity. Central to this evolution is the transformation of the historic Customs House, built in 1884 at 9th and Walnut Streets, which has now become luxury apartments known as 909 Walnut.
The Customs House originally served various public officials, including the postmaster, and gained notoriety when it hosted President Grover Cleveland for a speech in 1887 attended by an estimated 5,000 people. This iconic building featured noteworthy architectural elements, including one tower with a bell and another that housed the largest clock west of the Mississippi.
In 1900, the Fidelity Trust Company purchased the building, operating there for three decades before relocating to an art deco skyscraper on the same site in 1931. However, economic challenges during the Great Depression led to the Fidelity National Bank closing just two years after the new building’s opening, which stood as Kansas City’s second tallest at the time.
Following World War II, the legacy of the former Fidelity Trust building continued as it was repurposed into a Federal Office Building that housed significant tenants, including the Severe Local Storms Unit, until 1997. The modern transformation into 909 Walnut has provided the city with luxury apartments that offer stunning city views, showcasing the blend of historical significance and modern living.
Meanwhile, the cultural landscape of Kansas City is also evolving with the establishment of the Black Pickleball Club of Kansas City (BPCKC). Founded by firefighter Brandan Jackson, the club aims to create an inviting space for Black players in a sport that has seen participation surge to 19.8 million players nationwide in 2024, marking a 46% increase from 2023.
The club’s inaugural meetup in September drew over 100 attendees, reflecting a robust community demand for inclusive spaces in pickleball. Jackson is committed to introducing the sport to various age groups within the Black community, offering an alternative to traditional sports such as basketball and football.
BPCKC emphasizes inclusivity and a communal spirit over competition, allowing players of all skill levels to engage, connect, and participate. The club operates out of Klamm Park in Kansas City, Kansas, renting facilities to ensure access without exclusion.
Looking ahead, Jackson plans to expand BPCKC’s offerings by introducing youth classes, forming school partnerships, and establishing a competitive team for regional events, further enriching community ties. The club’s philosophy is constructed around fostering a sense of belonging while acknowledging the historical context of segregated spaces in Kansas City.
In addition to pickleball, Jackson’s initiatives include a wrestling club and community music nights, providing a platform for engagement through shared interests beyond sports. This multifaceted approach highlights the ongoing evolution of community spirit and connection through both historical landmarks and contemporary activities.
Overview of Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Historical Building | Former Customs House, built in 1884, now luxury apartments at 909 Walnut. |
| Presidential Visit | Hosted President Grover Cleveland’s speech in 1887, attracting 5,000 attendees. |
| Bank Transactions | Fidelity Trust Company operated there for 30 years before moving in 1931. |
| Pickleball Growth | 19.8 million pickleball players nationwide in 2024, a 46% increase from 2023. |
| Community Engagement | BPCKC attracts over 100 participants in its first meetup, emphasizing inclusivity. |
| Planned Initiatives | Youth classes, school partnerships, and a competitive team for regional events. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the original purpose of the Customs House in Kansas City?
The building served various public officials, including the postmaster, and hosted President Grover Cleveland for a speech in 1887 attended by an estimated 5,000 people.
How has the former Fidelity Trust building been repurposed over the years?
After operating as the Fidelity Trust Company, the building was repurposed as the Federal Office Building, housing significant tenants until 1997, and is now transformed into luxury apartments known as 909 Walnut.
What is the Black Pickleball Club of Kansas City?
The Black Pickleball Club of Kansas City, founded by firefighter Brandan Jackson, seeks to create a welcoming space for Black players in a sport that is rapidly growing in popularity.
How many people attended the first meetup of the Black Pickleball Club of Kansas City?
The club’s first meetup in September attracted over 100 attendees, indicating a strong community demand for inclusive spaces in pickleball.
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Additional Resources
- KCTV5: This Day in History – Battle of Westport
- Wikipedia: Kansas City
- Kansas City Defender: BPCKC
- Google Search: Kansas City Pickleball
- KMBC: Kansas City Streetcar Extension
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sport
- Kansas City Star: Local News
- Google News: Kansas City news
- Kansas City Current: San Diego Match Announcement
- Google Scholar: Kansas City history
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.
