Kansas City, Kansas’s, designated haunted mansion is getting a multi-million dollar facelift, and plans to make it available for public use are moving down the line.
A Kansas-based family plans to transform the long-decaying Sauer Castle – an Italian-inspired estate reminiscent of days and affluence long past – into an event venue that features a bar and short-term lodging.
Their initial renovations are already underway, and earlier this week the city planning commission approved a series of items related to the project, including altering its zoning designation and permitting the property to host events and overnight stays when restoration is complete. Those items will go before county commissioners in coming weeks, and the hope is that the $8 million restoration will be completed sometime in 2026.
A representative from Strata Architecture and Preservation, tasked with designing the project, presented a rendering depicting an addition that would include restrooms and a community kitchen, as well as grounds with public parking with ADA access, an indoor and outdoor venue space, gazebo, patio overlook and pedestrian access suited for 180 guests.
Neighbors, although excited to see a cleanup that will present new opportunities for the property and public access, did ask that the local government and development team be mindful of heavy traffic and noise transmission from the property during private events…