SCOPE OF WORK: National Register nomination; Missouri Historic Tax Credit Applications
CLIENT: Private Owners
COMPLETED: 2010
The R. Bryson Jones House sits handsomely atop a small knoll in the dignified Kansas City neighborhood, Country Club District, just south of the Country Club Plaza. Designed by the Kansas City architecture firm Root & Siemens, the Colonial Revival style house was built in 1910. Consistent with the Colonial Revival style, the primary elevation is symmetrical, suggesting that the house is a single, rectangular block with a center hall plan. A modern one-story gabled addition extends south from the southwest corner of the house and is not visible from the street.
R. Bryson Jones was the house’s first resident. He was involved in his family’s insurance agency, R.B. Jones & Sons. Jones’ brothers also lived nearby within the Country Club District. The Joneses socialized frequently with neighbors and other residents of the Country Club residential district, including J.C. Nichols himself (developer of the district), who frequented their house for games of poker. During his tenure as president of the Knife and Fork Club, Jones met Helen Keller in 1914. They remained friends throughout their lives. Keller visited the Joneses and stayed in their home several times, most notably the week of Christmas 1938. The Joneses lived in the house at 1045 W. 56th Street for 38 years, until 1948.
After the Jonese left, a series of owners occupied the house until the current owners purchased it. Although the house had been well-maintained over the years and was in good condition, its finishes were outdated and worn. As well, some of the house’s layout did not work for a young, modern family. The entire first floor configuration and finishes were maintained with a few minor alterations.
Rosin Preservation helped guide the design to ensure the rehabilitation work respected the home’s historic character and finishes, while creating a modern comfortable home. Rosin Preservation also prepared the National Register nomination and the state historic tax credit applications.
1045 W 56th St. north elevation after restoration
1045 W 56th St. south elevation after restoration