The Old New England Building in Kansas City, Missouri Carries History With Its Architecture
Eastern investors brought some New England to Kansas City back in 1887
In 1973, the Old New England Building in downtown Kansas City, Missouri was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The building located at 112 West 9th Street was originally constructed in 1887 through 1888. It was a part of the growing boom in Kansas City.
This building is located at the northeast corner of 9th and Wyandotte. The architecture is Italian Renaissance-style and was the place of business for the New England Mutual Life Insurance Co. of Boston, Massachusetts. It was designed by the Boston architectural firm of Bradlee, Winslow, and Wetherell. It was supposedly “a show of faith by Eastern investors in the business future of Kansas City.” (Source.)
At the time this building was constructed, it was the tallest building in Kansas City. On seven floors, there were two walk-in safes. The building amazingly has 57 fireplaces. The architectural design of the building is appealing and interesting. It might be the earliest example of fire-proof construction in Kansas City.
In 1944 the New England Mutual Life Insurance Company sold the building to Scott Wilson, Vice-President of the…
