Lyceum Building

Kansas City, Pittsburg, and Gulf Railroad Co., Kansas City Southern Railroad Co., Missouri Republican Club, Lyceum Hall, Orient Hotel, Delmar Hotel

 

 

The asymmetrical ornate structure on 9th Street features Chicagoan stylistic elements in its steel-frame design. Commissioned by the Missouri, Kansas, and Texas Trust, the building served as ticket office for the Kansas City, Pittsburg, and Gulf Railroad Company. Later known as the Kansas City Southern Railroad Co., the rail line ran from Kansas City, Mo., to Port Arthur, Texas. The line further evolved into a direct route to the Gulf of Mexico, promoting and enabling commerce in foreign markets.

 

The Missouri Republican Club took up residence in the building in 1901. Also within the building prevailed the majestic Lyceum Hall—home of many Kansas City elite social events and glamorous balls—and even a horse show and auction in 1896.

 

Over the course of the next 100 years, the building would take shape as the Orient Hotel, and later, the Delmar Hotel.