Recent Posts – Page 5 – Kansas Preservation Alliance

Endangered:
Historic Wood Windows

Year(s) Listed: • 2006 | City/Town: • Central Kansas • Eastern Kansas • Northern Kansas • Southern Kansas • Western Kansas

This is a thematic nomination aimed at bringing attention to the nationwide problem of the loss of original wood sash windows. Many homeowners are replacing wood windows with vinyl windows under the false idea that they are more energy efficient. Due to the high quality of materials and craftsmanship, however, the original wood windows can …

Endangered:
Kenneth Smith Home

Year(s) Listed: • 2006 | City/Town: • Shawnee

Kenneth Smith was the first American golf club manufacturer. His golf clubs were coveted by heads of state and famous celebrities. Kenneth Smith acquired his stone house in 1932, but the home was actually built by one of the founding members of Shawnee, John Garrett, a stonemason. The home dates to around 1870 with additions …

Endangered:
Constitution Hall Topeka

Year(s) Listed: • 2006 | City/Town: • Topeka

Located on Kansas Avenue in downtown Topeka, the original 1855 construction of Constitution Hall is hidden behind a 20th century façade. Under construction in 1855 as a commercial building, it was turned into Constitution Hall before it was completed as the need for a meeting place for the free-state legislature was urgent. The activities and events …

Endangered:
Sedan Opera House

Year(s) Listed: • 2006 | City/Town: • Sedan

The 1904 Sedan Opera House was built on the ruins of the original 1885 Opera House which was destroyed by fire. The Opera House occupied the upper floor and the lower level was used originally for mercantile. The building has had multiple uses through time including a roller skating rink and an armory. The lower …

Endangered:
Republic Hotel/Collins Building

Year(s) Listed: • 2005 | City/Town: • Belleville

Nominated by Belleville Main Street, Inc., this 1886 brick and timber framed structure was once a bustling railroad hotel located just off the town square in downtown Belleville. Belleville has often been referred to as the Crossroads of America, as it sits at the juncture of Highways 36 and 81. The twenty-two hotel rooms on …

Endangered:
Biggs Building

Year(s) Listed: • 2005 | City/Town: • Glasco

The Biggs Buildings is a small 1-story limestone building on a prominent corner of Glasco. The façade, with its cast iron posts manufactured by Great Western in Leavenworth, appears relatively intact. However, closer examination reveals ceiling material hanging into the interior as a result of roof leaks. The limestone walls are in great need of …

Endangered:
Grainfield Opera House

Year(s) Listed: • 2005 | City/Town: • Grainfield

This 2-story brick structure has an ornate cast iron façade manufactured by Mesker Brothers of St. Louis. The 50’X 100’ building is located at the corner of 3rd and Main. Much of the exterior maintenance and repair has been completed but the small group of community volunteers has reached the point of needing more help to …

Endangered:
Amelia Earhart Bridge

Year(s) Listed: • 2005 | City/Town: • Atchison

This 2600’ metal truss bridge spans the Missouri River at Atchison. It was built by the WPA in 1937. Sverdrup and Parcel Consulting Engineers of St. Louis designed the bridge. It was determined to be eligible for listing on the National Register in 2000. In 2003, the National Trust for Historic Preservation listed this bridge …

Endangered:
Pottawatomie County Fair Pavilion

Year(s) Listed: • 2004 | City/Town: • Onaga

The octagonal exhibition hall was built in 1921. Onaga was a thriving railroad town and the county fair was one of the most important social events of the year. When this unique structure is restored, it will contain exhibits to show our increasingly urban population what the fair meant to the farmers, ranchers, and their …

Endangered:
Caldwell Opera House

Year(s) Listed: • 2004 | City/Town: • Caldwell

Nominated by Karen Sturm and the Caldwell Historical Society. The town of Caldwell is known as the “Border Queen” being near the Oklahoma state line, it was the first Kansas town cattle drovers came to on their way north. The Opera House is now owned by the Caldwell Historical Society and their goal is to …