Hello Tuesday.
April 29 2025 |
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When one thinks of the iconic KC downtown skyline, the lit-up Western Auto sign is one of the first things that comes to mind. What if we told you that the building was not called Western Auto when it first opened? Or that there was a time where it wasn’t lit? Let’s take a look back in time at this monumental KC fixture. |
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Pictures of the signs from today and 1915. | Photo by @em1.sam and the Missouri Valley Special Collection, Kansas City Public Library |
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🥤 Downtown’s getting fizzy
In 1909, the bubbling soda industry led the Coca-Cola Company of Atlanta to expand its distribution centers. Asa Candle, President of Coca-Cola at the time, chose Kansas City as the central west distribution center. “The distributing facilities of Kansas City were superior to any other in this district […] equally advantageously located for passenger traffic […] Capital and labor were apparently living together in more harmonious relations than in any other city of equal importance,” Candle said.
In 1915, the Coca-Cola building was officially born — at 2015 Grand Blvd. The commercial style building was triangular + 12 stories high. A large Coca-Cola sign garnished the top of the building. The sign would remain till 1928.
⚙️ What about Western Auto? The Western Auto Co. was founded in Kansas City by George Pepperdine. The business, which started in 1909, was based on selling automobile parts. In 1928, business expansions led the company to move to the 11th floor of the Coca-Cola building. But soon, Western Auto took over by buying + renaming the building in 1951. As for the sign? The Coca-Cola sign was swiftly replaced with a Western Auto sign a year later. The Western Auto building truly made its mark in KC and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. However, Advance Auto Parts bought the company and closed down the building 10 years later. 🌃 Looking at today
In 2003, the building was converted into lofts. The Western Auto sign was restored and relit that same year. The sign would be lit sporadically until 2018, after which Western Auto Lofts homeowners’ association funded the repair + restore of the sign so that it could continuously illuminate the city skyline at night.
As of today, there have been recent reports of major repair works that need to be done to the building, with the possibility of residents footing a chunk of the bill. |
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Today -
KC Current vs. North Carolina Courage | Wed., May 4 | 7:30 p.m. | Children’s Mercy Park | $15+ | The Challenge Cup Semifinal is the team’s first playoff experience. ⚽
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Royals vs. Cardinals | Wed., May 4 | 12:10 p.m. | Kauffman Stadium | $12+ | KC wraps up a three-game series against STL with a game that was moved from 6:10 p.m.
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The Hu | Wed., May 4 | 8 p.m. | The Truman | $28+ | The rock band famous for their song “Wolf Totem” comes to KC. 🎸
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May The 4th Be With You | Wed., May 4 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | PH Coffee, 2200 Lexington Ave., Kansas City, MO | $20 | Come one, come all Star Wars fans — teams of four compete for prizes including best dressed.
Thursday -
A Night at the Movies: 2022 Dance Concert | Thurs., May 5 | 7 p.m. | 16301 Midland Dr., Shawnee, KS | $10 | The dance concert will feature pieces performed by the First Act Dance Studio + songs from popular films. 💃
Friday
Plan Ahead - Art & Design Auction | Sat., June 4 | 7-10 p.m. | Kansas City Art Institute, 4415 Warwick Blvd. | $125 | Enjoy DJ vibes, big band sounds, creative fare + cocktails while you bid on art donated by KCAI alumni and faculty.*
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We have a monthly 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. |
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We asked you what your favorite small businesses were, and you did not disappoint. Readers Ruthie and Bryan W. mentioned The Baker's Table — 115 Main St. Parkville, MO. From homemade pies to seasonal sweets, the shop offers a variety of baked goods. We’re eyeing its homemade fudge brownies. Hours are Wed.-Sat., 8 a.m.-3 p.m., and Sun., 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
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Weather - 62º | Cloudy | 24% chance of rain
Sports -
Six undrafted KC area players have signed NFL contracts as free agents. These players are Mario Goodrich (Philadelphia Eagles), Storey Jackson (Dallas Cowboys), Lucas Krull (New Orleans Saints), Duron Lowe (Los Angeles Rams), Gerrit Prince (Jacksonville Jaguars) and Sam Webb (Las Vegas Raiders). 🏈 (FOX4)
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Due to the weather, today’s Royals game that was slated for 6:10 p.m. is moved to 12:10 p.m. Original tickets will remain valid for the earlier time. If you’d like to exchange tickets due to the time change, it must be done before the game starts.
Development -
Garmin is looking to expand in Olathe — at S. Lone Elm Rd. + W. 151st St. The City Council will review the company’s ~175 acre annexation request for future development. The company recently spent $200 million on its Olathe headquarters expansion. (Kansas City Business Journal)
- Leawood residents could soon build pool houses in their backyards. If the City Council approves the new regulations, pool houses would be the first detached, enclosed structure allowed to be constructed on Leawood private property. 🌊 (Blue Valley Post)
Community -
To mark the streetcar’s sixth anniversary, KC Streetcar + Troostival are hosting a celebration at the Historic City Market — 20 E. 5th St. On Fri., May 6 from 7-10 p.m., enjoy a night filled with live music + artwork experiences.
Shop -
Kendra Scott is having a pop-up at Legends Outlets — 1843 Village West Pkwy. — this weekend on May 6 and 7. From 11 a.m.-7 p.m., shop the latest spring jewelry. We won’t tell if you do some last minute Mother’s Day gift shopping. 💍
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Another business doing a pop-up? The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck will be at Leawood’s Town Center Plaza — 5000 W. 119th St. — this Sat., May 7, from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Exclusive goodies + limited-edition collectibles will be sold. Only cashless payments will be accepted. (KMBC 9)
Plan Ahead -
KC Oktoberfest will be back in Crown Center on Oct. 7-8. The two-day festival, organized by KC Bier Co., celebrates German-style bier, food + entertainment. Tickets go on sale from June 1. 🍻
Biz -
Rainy Day Books — 2706 W. 53rd St., Fairway, KS — is up for sale. Owners Vivien Jennings and Roger Doeren are selling the store, which they’ve owned for 47 years, in order to retire. The announcement was made in its customer newsletter. (Shawnee Mission Post)
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Just do it. Nike is returning back to the Plaza — at 450 Nichols Rd. The new store comes after Nike shut its previous Plaza location — 211 Nichols Rd. — a year ago. (Kansas City Business Journal)
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ICYMI, it's Small Business Week — and Ruby, a 24/7 virtual receptionist and live chat company, is celebrating by launching a new resource hub dedicated to their small business community. Check out the curated resources built to help today’s entrepreneurs achieve long-term success.*
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