President's Blog: Q1 2025
January 20, 2025
President’s note:
It is said that if you do what you love, you will never work a day in your life. Every day we try to help our customers live out their dreams. Often those dreams do not just benefit one person but instead benefit entire communities and beyond. One such project in the Kansas City area is the renovation of the historic and beloved Sauer Castle.
This 60-foot-tall structure overlooking the Kaw River Valley was built on the highest point in Kansas City, Kansas on what is now Shawnee Road, in the early 1870s by German immigrant and businessman, Anton Sauer. The Italianate architecture style home was thought to be one of the first in the area to have running water. The home stayed within the Sauer family for five generations until it eventually was not maintained and fell into disrepair. Over the years the structure worsened from lightning strikes and a lack of attention. Fortunately, this neighborhood and regional treasure is being restored.
The Mike Heitmann family acquired the property in 2023 and promptly assembled a dream team to restore the family mansion to its former glory. The team is interested, not only in renovation, but in preservation of the home, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Restoring a historic home was not on Mike’s retirement to-do list, but now he can’t imagine not tackling this project. He recently retired from a career in construction and enjoys being hands-on and participating in the actual construction. Plus, he has the knowledge and means to make it happen.
“There is something about old homes that attracts me. I like the look and feel of the old lumber and stone. The textures and weight. These construction methods are basically extinct, and preserving their state is fulfilling to me,” Mike said. “I also like the architectural style and design. The vertical nature of the architecture, the large windows and natural light.”
Of course, Mike isn’t the only one interested in the successful renovation of the structure. From a broader perspective, interest in the preservation, and the surrounding community support, has been amazing. Many of the Sauer descendants have also been interested and supportive of this endeavor. The Sauer Castle project has close to 20,000 people following the renovation on Facebook.
The castle’s impact goes well beyond the Kansas City area though. Walt Disney was friends with Anton Sauer’s grandchildren and apparently spent time playing at the castle as a young child. Rumor has it that Sauer Castle inspired Disney’s haunted mansion attraction at Disney World. The structure’s final use is yet to be determined, however, a foundation is expected to be set-up to ensure the castle is preserved and in use by the community for another 150 years.
“Giving can be very fulfilling,” Mike said. “I’ve found I get back more than I’ve ever given.”
Thank you, Mike. We appreciate your passion and enthusiasm to give back in such a generous manner.
We are happy to be part of helping customers live out their dreams.