Kansas City’s Historic Call Building Sold: A New Chapter Begins
Kansas City is witnessing a significant change with the recent sale of the historic Call building located in the heart of the 18th and Vine District. This cherished site, a staple of the Black community for nearly a century, has officially changed hands, marking the end of an era and the start of new possibilities.
A Heartfelt Transition
For generations, the corner of 18th and Woodland served as a gathering place for Kansas City’s African American community. It was here that residents submitted obituaries, placed advertisements, and connected with reporters about the events and stories that mattered most to them. In a significant move, The Kansas City Call Company sold the historic building at 1715 E. 18th St. on October 9, according to public records.
The Call’s staff moved to a new location just two blocks away three years ago, but the building still holds a deep resonance within the community. The new owner, Aetas Development LLC, has plans for the structure; however, details are scarce. Derek Edwards, a representative for Aetas, noted they are in the “very beginning stages” of development and wants to keep plans under wraps until they are solidified.
Community Reactions
The sale of the building has sparked a mixed bag of emotions from the community. Jason Joseph, the Call’s distribution and sales manager, arranged the sale and shared that he was surprised by the strong reactions from the community. He heard everything from understanding to outright outrage regarding The Call’s new offices at 1516 E. 18th St..
“I just didn’t think that selling the building would cause so much of a hellabaloo,” Joseph stated. He emphasized the importance of evolving the newspaper in a way that continues to serve and connect with the community, saying, “The Call paper is going to evolve, and wherever we commingle, The Call paper will be.”
A Glimpse into the Past
The historic Call building has a rich legacy. Built in 1922, this structure was more than just an office; it was a vibrant center for influential Black journalists, including Roy Wilkins and Lucile Bluford. The office was alive with activity—a printing press on the ground floor and an apartment for founder Chester Franklin right above.
Former editor and publisher, Eric Wesson, reflected on the importance of the building during his time, stating that it acted as a neighborhood think tank. “On Fridays, I have five or six or seven people from the community just sit down, and we just talk and kick it, exchange ideas and highlight problems and solutions within the community,” Wesson reminisced.
Looking Towards the Future
As exciting as this transition may be, it also comes with its challenges. The Aetas Development LLC took out a loan of $124,000 for the structure, which currently has a market value of $166,200 as of 2024. While specific plans for the building are still shrouded in mystery, Edwards expressed his desire to earn the trust of the Black community. He acknowledged his troubled past, having been involved in a federal mortgage fraud scheme years ago, but claims, “I’m not the same man that I was 15 years ago.” He seeks to prove through actions that he’s committed to positive change and development in the area.
As this historic building embarks on a new journey, the community is reminded of its profound history while looking forward to what lies ahead. It’s an evolving story of resilience, hope, and unity in Kansas City’s Black community.
