The Sauer Castle: A Tale of Five Generations in KCK (Updated 2024)

Nestled at 935 Shawnee Road in Kansas City, Kansas, Sauer Castle stands as a testament to a bygone era of architectural grandeur and affluent lifestyles. This striking example of Italianate architecture, designed by the renowned architect Asa Beebe Cross, was built between 1871 and 1873.

Commissioned by Anton Sauer, a successful German immigrant, the Castle has become a symbol of the city's rich history and cultural heritage. In 2023, Mike Heitmann acquired the property, embarking on a meticulous restoration project aimed at returning the Castle to its former splendor.

The Early Days of Sauer Castle

Anton Sauer's journey to Kansas City began with his birth in Essen, Germany, in 1826. He initially sought his fortune in Australia but eventually made his way to New York City in 1853. There, he established a tannery business and started a family with his wife Francesca. However, the death of Francesca and his declining health, likely due to tuberculosis, prompted Sauer to seek a healthier climate in the American Midwest. He arrived in Kansas City in 1867, where he quickly established himself as a prominent businessman.

Sauer's wealth grew through various ventures, including a partnership in Crider-Sauer Wholesale Groceries and serving as the president of the German American Savings Association. By 1871, he decided to build a grand home that reflected his success. He purchased a 63-acre tract of land on a scenic ridge overlooking the Kansas River, a site that offered both aesthetic beauty and practical benefits. The Castle was constructed with materials shipped from St. Louis, including Italian, Vermont, and Kentucky marble for the mantels, and featured lavish details such as a four-story tower, ornate woodwork, and expansive windows.

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The estate was not only a private residence but also a cultural center, where the Sauer family hosted social gatherings and entertained Kansas City's elite. The lush grounds included a greenhouse, vineyard, and various outbuildings, such as a wine cellar and smokehouse. The meticulously landscaped gardens were adorned with rock terraces and a large fountain, creating a picturesque setting that enhanced the Castle's allure.

Anton Sauer's time at the Castle was tragically brief. He succumbed to tuberculosis in 1879, leaving behind his widow, Mary Einhellig Messerschmidt Sauer, and their blended family of children. Mary continued to live in the Castle until her death in 1921, maintaining the property's reputation as a center of social and cultural activity.

Architectural Significance and Decline

Sauer Castle is a quintessential example of Italianate Villa architecture, a style characterized by its emphasis on classical proportions, decorative brackets, and tall, narrow windows. The Castle's most distinctive feature is its four-story tower, which dominates the structure's facade and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The main entrance, set into the base of the tower, is framed by intricately carved stone and flanked by two stone lions, adding to the building's majestic appearance.

Inside, the Castle boasted a central hall, a music room, a library, and multiple living spaces, all adorned with fine details like marble mantels and high ceilings. The use of high-quality materials and skilled craftsmanship made Sauer Castle one of the most luxurious homes in Kansas at the time.

Despite its initial splendor, Sauer Castle fell into disrepair in the 20th century. The property changed hands several times, each new owner struggling to maintain the aging structure. By the mid-1980s, the Castle had suffered extensive damage due to neglect and vandalism. Stories of ghostly apparitions and paranormal activities attracted thrill-seekers, further exacerbating the building's decline. The lore surrounding the Castle included tales of mysterious lights, ghostly figures, and tragic deaths, which only added to its mystique and public fascination.

Restoration Efforts and Future Plans

In 2023, the Sauer Castle was purchased by Mike Heitmann, an engineer and historic home enthusiast. Heitmann recognized the Castle's architectural and historical significance and committed to a comprehensive restoration project. The restoration began with stabilizing the structure, particularly the iconic tower, which was on the brink of collapse. Heitmann's team, including architects from STRATA Architecture + Preservation and contractor Pishny Restoration Services, focused on repairing the brick façade, restoring the original woodwork, and refurbishing the interior spaces.

One of the most challenging aspects of the restoration has been preserving the Castle's historical integrity while modernizing its infrastructure. This involves carefully repairing or replicating original elements, such as the ornate woodwork, plaster walls, and sandstone window headers. The restoration team is also working to uncover and preserve hidden historical details, such as original paint colors and decorative features that have been obscured over time.

Heitmann envisions Sauer Castle as a community landmark and a venue for various events once the restoration is complete. He hopes the Castle will serve as a cultural hub where visitors can learn about the Sauer family's history, the architectural significance of the building, and the broader history of Kansas City. Plans include hosting educational tours, cultural events, and possibly even private functions, providing the community with a unique glimpse into the past.

A Legacy Preserved

Sauer Castle's history is a rich tapestry woven with stories of immigration, success, tragedy, and resilience. From its construction in the 1870s as a symbol of Anton Sauer's success to its decline and subsequent restoration, the Castle has remained a significant cultural and historical landmark. The ongoing restoration efforts led by Mike Heitmann offer a promising future for this storied building, ensuring that it will continue to be a source of pride and inspiration for Kansas City residents and visitors alike.

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From the National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form in 1976

The Sauer Castle is located near the crest of the bluffs that overlook the Kaw river valley. It is a large, irregularly shaped, two and one-half story brick building with a four story tower. The house was built in the Italian Villa style. Originally it stood on a sixty-three acre site that was landscaped and terraced for Sauer's vineyards. This acreage has dwindled to four and the only remains of the landscaping are the fish pond and fountain in front of the house.

The main facade, which faces north is broken into three receding planes. The central element and dominating feature of this facade is the four story tower. The main entrance has been placed at the base of this tower. The double, three paneled doors are solid walnut and set in an elaborately carved arched stone frame. There are two carved stone lions to either side of the door on the small landing at the top of a short flight of stone steps. To either side of the tower bay on the first story are two large segmental arched double-hung windows which extend to the stone water table.

The windows on the east side open out to a narrow balcony with a delicate metal railing, while the windows to the west are sheltered by an ornate wood veranda. All windows on the north, east and west facades with the exception of those above the entablature in the tower have segmental arches with similarly carved stone lintels. There are two windows each on the east and west bays of the north facade and a window above the main doorway on the central bay. There are narrow metal balconies at the base of the windows on the east and central bays. A round window with a stone frame has been placed above the second story windows on the east bay where the entablature breaks and forms an open gable.

There are two small dodble-hung windows on the third story of the tower with stone segmental arches with keystones joined by a stone string course on three facades of the tower. Long thin round-headed windows with keystones are joined by a stone string course formed by the impost on all the faces of the fourth story of the tower. The tower has a flat roof with an elaborate entablature which matches that of the main house and has coupled brackets on each corner. Originally there was metal cresting around the ridge of the tower.

An L-shaped wood veranda extends around the southeast corner of the east facade. There is a door opening out to this veranda on the south corner of the east facade. A window has been placed above this doorway on the second story, and to the north of the veranda there are two windows on each story. Two single, evenly spaced brick chimneys rise above the entablature. On the west facade there is one centered window on each story. There are two windows with light wells below the water table. Two single, evenly spaced chimneys rise above the entablature with a small gabled dormer centered between them.

The south facade has been treated with less detail than the rest of the building. Stone is limited to the window sills, and the windows have brick segmental arches. There are three one story extensions from this facade; a brick one with a hip roof that appears to be original, and two later wood frame additions. There is a small one story wood veranda on the west end of the facade.