By Kathy Feist
A new wedding event space has been proposed for 1314 W. Red Bridge Rd in south Kansas City on the northeast corner of Red Bridge and State Line roads.
Plans include a 2500 sq ft event space added onto a 3500 sq ft stone and wood-siding country home built in 1935. The house will serve as a pre-function space for the bridal party.
The newly constructed facility will feature a one-and-a-half story wall of west-facing windows overlooking Leawood Park, a stone fireplace, courtyard and covered carport. The venue will accommodate 99 people with seating for 86. The 3.4-acre grounds include stone gate pillars, a long circle drive, a barn and a white split rail fence surrounding the property.
An adjacent 1.64-acre lot has been purchased in order to add parking along a reconstructed circle drive. In all, the property will total a little over 4 acres.
Neighbors can take solace in the owner’s promise of Friday and Saturday functions, indoor music only and an onsite police officer.
Owner Steve Bell who has another small event space in midtown called 222 Cellar, must first go through the process to obtain rezoning (R75 to R80) and a Special Use Permit. A public engagement meeting was held June 27 at the Trailside Center, which is the initial step in the process. Neighbors voiced concerns regarding septic tank issues, landscaping for privacy, and fear of destruction to the neighborhood.
Plans go before the City Planning Committee on July 18 and the Board of Zoning on August 9.
The original property, which included 512 acres, was purchased by Peter Ridenour in 1906 from James Lipscomb, one of the early pioneers that settled in the area. The area was platted in 1925 and the home built in 1935.