Long-time KCK landmark Sauer Castle will be on the agenda at tonight’s meeting of the Unified Government City Planning Commission.
Mike Heitmann, of Fairway, Kan., who bought the house two years ago and has been working on an $8 million rehabilitation of the stately mansion, is requesting zoning, subdivision, and master plan changes.
He has also requested a special use permit that will allow him to use the property as a wedding and event venue. Heitmann wants to use the event income to pay for ongoing maintenance of the property.
The Italianate-style mansion on Shawnee Drive, built by successful German immigrant businessman Anton Sauer in 1873, is on the national register of historic places and boasts a grand view of the Kansas River from its four-story tower.
The majestic building sits along an ordinary street of middle-class residential homes. A neighborhood meeting, required as part of the permitting process, aired potential concerns about traffic and noise, but also support for the renovation of what had been a local eyesore and trouble magnet.
Planning commission staff have added several requirements to the application and recommended it for approval, usually a sign that the commission will approve the application.
After Sauer died, the property changed hands several times through the 20th century, eventually falling into deep decline from decay and vandalism. The landmark was nearly demolished before Heitmann, an engineer and veteran of three other historic-building renovations, picked up the property in a 2023 tax sale.
The commission will also consider a subdivision request related to the Rock Island Bridge project.
Update
Following a presentation by Mike Heitmann, along with his legal counsel and architect, the planning commission unanimously recommended the Sauer Castle zoning changes and special use permit for approval at the UG Commissioners’ meeting on Jun. 26. One resident who lives immediately across from the building spoke in opposition to the special use permit, citing concerns about noise from events.
