Sauer Castle: A Kansas City Landmark

Sauer Castle, located at 935 Shawnee Road in Kansas City, Kansas, is a striking example of Italianate architecture. Built between 1871 and 1873 for Anton Sauer, a German immigrant who made his fortune in various businesses, the castle has become one of the most well-known residences in the Kansas City area.Anton Sauer, who was born in Germany in 1826, arrived in Kansas City in 1867 and quickly became a prominent business figure. He sought a location reminiscent of his birthplace along the Rhine River and purchased 75 acres of land that had been part of the Shawnee allotment. The grand estate originally included a greenhouse, bakery, laundry, smokehouse, swimming pool, wine cellar, and fountain. Most of the building materials were shipped by riverboat from St. Louis. The three-story, 12-room home is considered one of the best examples of Italianate architecture in Kansas. The architect is believed to be Asa Beebe Cross.The castle features a four-story tower, ornate woodwork, and expansive windows. Inside, the house boasted carved marble fireplaces, a four-story continuous staircase with hand-carved wooden spindles, and reportedly, grand chandeliers of Czech and Belgian crystal. The Sauer family occupied the home for several generations. Anton Sauer died in 1879, and his wife, Marie, continued to live there until her death in 1919.Over the years, Sauer Castle has become the subject of local legends and ghost stories. Despite its state of disrepair, the castle continues to captivate the imaginations of those who pass by. In 2023, the castle was purchased by Mike Heitmann, who is undertaking a comprehensive restoration project to return the castle to its former glory and envisions it as a community landmark and venue for various events.