The Story of The Western Auto Sign
The iconic Western Auto building & sign. You can purchase this photo by clicking here.
The history of the Western Auto building and its iconic sign in Kansas City is a fascinating tale of entrepreneurship, architectural innovation, and enduring urban legacy. It weaves together the stories of George Pepperdine, a young bookkeeper with big dreams, the rise of the automotive industry, and the expansion of Coca-Cola - a beverage behemoth.
George Pepperdine and the Dawn of Western Auto
Portrait of George Pepperdine. Courtesy-Pepperdine University Special Collections.
George Pepperdine, born in 1886 in Mound Valley, KS (approx 2h 45m south of KC) embarked on a journey that would significantly impact Kansas City's commercial landscape. After completing his education in Parsons, Pepperdine moved to Kansas City and took up a bookkeeping job at the Regent Tire Company.
His arrival coincided with the burgeoning popularity of the Ford Model T, introduced in 1908. Pepperdine, spotting a lucrative opportunity in the growing demand for aftermarket car parts, started a mail-order parts business from his home. At the age of 23, with a $5 investment and a dream, Western Auto Supply Company was born. His wife Lena played a crucial role, assisting in packing and shipping orders.
Then vs. Now: Western Auto’s first retail store at 1426 Grand Ave. Courtesy: MVSC.
Pepperdine's venture, the Western Auto Supply Agency, rapidly outgrew its humble beginnings. By 1910, he established the company's first official headquarters at 708 E. 15th Street in Kansas City. This growth spurt led to the opening of the first retail store at 1426 Grand Avenue.
George would eventually move to California and would go on to found Pepperdine University, a Christian liberal arts college in Los Angeles. Between Western Auto and Pepperdine University, the boy with humble beginnings in southeast Kansas created quite an impact on the world.
The Coca-Cola Building
1922: Photograph looking south from 20th Street showing the McGee Street Viaduct and the west entrance to the McGee Street team yards. Courtesy: MVSC.
Concurrently, the Coca-Cola Company, under the leadership of Asa G. Candler, was looking to expand. In 1909, they chose Kansas City as the site for their new west-central distribution branch, drawn by its strategic location and the development of new Union Station.
The Coca-Cola building, a 12-story triangular structure designed by architect Arthur Tufts, was completed in 1915 at 2015 Grand Blvd. Its distinctive shape was a result of the peculiarly shaped lot and the need to access streets and rail lines at different elevations. Initially, it was crowned with a large Coca-Cola sign, a downtown fixture until its removal in 1928.
The Iconic Western Auto Sign
1991: Sign atop the Western Auto Building. Courtesy: MVSC.
These two worlds collided when Western Auto's expansion led them to lease and eventually buy the Coca-Cola building in 1951. A year later, they replaced the Coca-Cola sign with the Western Auto sign, a prominent feature of Kansas City's skyline. Here are a few key facts and figures about the iconic sign:
Design and Structure: The Western Auto sign is notable for its massive size and striking design. Measuring approximately 70 feet by 73 feet, this sign is a commanding presence atop the 12-story building. It features large red letters spelling out "Western Auto" encircled by an arrow, creating an eye-catching and memorable image.
Construction and Materials: When first constructed, the sign was made with heavy-duty materials suited for outdoor display. Originally, it featured incandescent bulbs and neon tubing, common in mid-20th-century signage. The sign was built to withstand the elements, ensuring its visibility and durability.
Lighting and Visibility: The sign's lighting was a significant feature, with approximately 2,500 incandescent bulbs and 1,000 feet of neon tubing, making it a luminous beacon in Kansas City, especially at night. Its brightness and size made it a landmark visible from various parts of the city.
Despite Western Auto's success, economic downturns in the 1980s led to its decline. After changing hands between Sears Roebuck and Advance Auto Parts, the building was vacated in 2000, and the sign was left largely unlit for 18 years.
However, the building found new life in 2002 when it was purchased for conversion into luxury condominiums. In 2018, the Western Auto Lofts homeowners’ association funded the sign's repair, bringing it back to life and restoring a piece of Kansas City's history. On July 13th, 2018, the sign was relit and once again began illuminating the Kansas City skyline.
Courtesy KCYesterday.com
Today, the Western Auto building stands not only as a historical monument but also as a symbol of Kansas City's resilience and capacity for reinvention. It was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
The Western Auto sign, once again shining brightly in the night sky, is a beacon of Kansas City’s rich commercial heritage and the indomitable spirit of its people.
One last thing: can we make sure that all the letters are functioning properly before the next Chiefs primetime game? Please and thank you!