Historic Kansas City Home Finally Renovated After Tough Journey
In the heart of Kansas City, a much-anticipated renovation has reached its conclusion, bringing cheers from the local community and a sense of pride for the developer involved. The William Rockhill Nelson “clubhouse,” a stunning 6,800-square-foot clapboard residence, has undergone a remarkable transformation over the last 15 months, despite facing a series of unexpected challenges along the way.
The final price tag? A whopping $200,000 more than initially expected. As if financial hurdles weren’t enough, construction was riddled with setbacks, including break-ins, thefts, and even acts of vandalism. At one point, a wild car careened off the street and slammed through the stacked limestone wall that encircles the yard, causing havoc to the wrought iron fence before finally coming to a halt.
But now, the home is ready for its next chapter, and the relief is palpable for developer and TikTok sensation Johnny Youssef, who has poured his heart into this project. The property has officially hit the market with an asking price of $1.485 million, and an open house is set for this Sunday at 610 Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd., right in the affluent Rockhill Neighborhood.
A Bit of History
This charming residence has deep roots in Kansas City’s history, built around 1902 in the manner of an old-world lodge or cottage. It once served as a guesthouse for Nelson, the influential founder of The Kansas City Star, who opened his doors to friends in this beautiful home. With its expansive sunroom, which showcases spectacular views of the nearby Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the home holds a special place in many hearts. It’s not just a house; it’s a part of the community’s history.
Youssef shared that numerous locals have reminisced about past holidays spent at the house. “I mean, I have probably had at least 20 people come to me and say they used to visit the house during Christmas,” he revealed. “It is an honor to restore an iconic home from an iconic name. I’m just really proud of being able to do that.”
Balancing Preservation and Modernization
While Youssef took great care to preserve the home’s historic character on the exterior, he has essentially gutted the interior to make it feel fresh and revitalized. About 70% of the original hardwood floors and architectural details, such as the wide center-hall staircase and curved wood banister, remain intact. The rest of the house, which boasts six bedrooms, six fireplaces, and five bathrooms, has undergone extensive renovations to update electric, plumbing, insulation, and flooring throughout.
Three fireplaces on the first floor have now been converted to gas, and the previously cramped third floor has been transformed into a spacious bedroom and bath. “Whoever gets this house is getting a brand new house in the shell of a beautiful, historic home. It’s all new,” Youssef emphasized.
The kitchen received a complete makeover, shifting the former small cooking area into a gorgeous pantry while adding custom cabinets, quartz countertops, and a large central island to create a welcoming space for family and friends.
Future Plans
Originally purchasing the home for $400,000 at a bank sale, Youssef had aimed to invest $400,000 to $500,000 in renovations. His initial plan was to sell the house for between $1 million and $1.3 million, using the profits to fund another project—the renovation of the Broadway Baptist Church in Westport, which he also bought recently.
However, the church renovation became a much larger undertaking than anticipated, costing about $3 million. Despite these ups and downs, Youssef remains optimistic about selling the Rockhill home quickly to complete the last phase of his church project, where he plans to create a wedding venue named Melrose Abbey.
“So we’re finishing Phase 2 right now,” Youssef said. “I’m definitely hoping we can sell it soon, because that money will get the plan done.”
This incredible journey has not only revived a historic property but also underscored the resilience of the Kansas City community. Mark your calendars for the open house this Sunday—who knows, the next owner could be you!
