In the expansive tableau of Kansas City's history, a distinct narrative emerges – one of cattle, camaraderie, and captivating transformation. This is the evolution of Mission Farms in Leawood: first starting as Saddle and Sirloin, and now blossoming as an anchor of the south Kansas City community.

Rails, Cattle, and Kansas City's Rendezvous

*1920's photograph of a portion of the cattle pens at the Stockyards.Courtesy: Missouri Valley Special Collections, Kansas City Public Library, Kansas City, MO*

As the 1860s unfolded, railways extended their reach westward, firmly embedding themselves as the conduits of progress. Amid this surge, Kansas City emerged as the epicenter of these iron pathways, harnessing their potential for cattle commerce. Prior to the 1870s, however, farmers and ranchers from the West were at the mercy of railroad magnates, who dictated the prices of their cattle. This dynamic shifted when cattle pens materialized in the West Bottoms area, birthing a livestock exchange. Suddenly, the grazed grasses of the Midwest found their way to the auction blocks, fetching prices that reflected their true worth.

*The American Royal began as a cattle show in 1899 in the Kansas City Stockyards.*

In this nexus of cattle and commerce, Kansas City's identity found fertile ground. The American Royal, inaugurated in 1899 by the American Hereford Cattle Breeders Association, added an exclamation point to the city's cattle legacy. What began as a showcase for Hereford cattle morphed into a symposium for livestock breeds. The event transcended its initial purpose, becoming the barometer for quality breeding and a melting pot for cattlemen, ranchers, and meat processors.

Saddle and Sirloin: The Birth of a Legacy

*Saddle & Sirloin, courtesy Leawood.org.*

Amidst this burgeoning cattle culture, 1940 saw the inception of the Saddle and Sirloin Club. The founding members of the club, many of whom were avid horse aficionados, set out to create a club with two goals: bolster the American Royal's grandeur and nurture a community for equestrian enthusiasts. Like caretakers of history, these members assumed pivotal roles in the annual livestock pageant, contributing significantly to the American Royal's resounding success.

As the club's influence grew, they sought a pastoral refuge for their equine endeavors. In 1943, they secured a sprawling 115-acre tract in Leawood, an untamed expanse straddling the Kansas-Missouri state line near modern day I-435 and Mission Road. Here, babbling creeks whispered through undulating trails, while open fields cradled their clubhouse and stables. The Saddle and Sirloin Club became more than a place; it became an emblem of Leawood's civic pride and a living embodiment of equestrian heritage.
In the 1990s, confronted with declining membership and the imperative of evolution, the club undertook a bold transformation. Relocation beckoned, leading them to the lush embrace of Martin City, Missouri. Here, a sprawling 300-acre canvas awaited, tailored to their equestrian pursuits and shooting sports passions.

The Next Chapter: Mission Farms

*Mission Farms, located in the former location of Saddle & Sirloin.*

Yet, the land left behind by the club was destined for another transformative journey. Visionary developers cast their gaze upon this hallowed ground. They conceived Mission Farms, an innovative blend of tradition and modernity. A symphony of estate homes, upscale condominiums, retail emporiums, restaurants, and prime office spaces began to rise from the very soil where hooves once trod.

With reverence for the land's legacy, Mission Farms was meticulously designed to coexist with its storied past. Estate homes and high-end condos gracefully occupy the landscape, emulating the genteel charm of the days when prized horses roamed these acres.

Popular restaurants like Blue Koi, Rye, Tavern at Mission Farms, and many others attract visitors from the region to the former Saddle & Sirloin grounds. More than 40,000 square feet of retail and restaurant spaces thrive, pulsating with urban energy, while over 15,000 square feet of prime office space hum with professional vitality.

Today, Mission Farms stands not just as a commercial and residential complex, but as a testament to the enduring spirit of Kansas City's history. Its foundation, laid by the hooves of equestrians and the camaraderie of Saddle and Sirloin's members, continues to support a thriving community. The story of Mission Farms is a story of transformation, where the echoes of the past harmonize with the rhythm of modern life.

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