Construction and Early Years (1910–1950s)

Completed in 1910, the Livestock Exchange Building is a defining landmark of Kansas City, Missouri. Designed by the prominent local architectural firm Wilder & Wight in the Renaissance Revival style, the building spans over 200,000 square feet across 9 floors and was the largest office building in the city at the time of its construction. It was built to serve as the headquarters for the Kansas City Stockyards, which by the early 20th century had become one of the largest livestock markets in the world—second only to Chicago.

The building was a self-contained ecosystem for the livestock trade, housing more than 200 livestock commission firms, banks, railroad and telegraph offices, a post office, restaurants, and even a barbershop. Its strategic location along the Kansas River and adjacent to rail lines made it a vital conduit for the movement of cattle, hogs, and sheep across the country. For decades, it stood as a symbol of Kansas City's booming agricultural economy and its role as a national distribution center.

Mid-20th Century Decline (1950s–1980s)

The postwar decades brought major changes to the livestock and transportation industries. Livestock sales began shifting closer to rural producers, and the rise of trucking reduced the centrality of the Kansas City Stockyards. By the 1950s and ’60s, activity at the stockyards had begun to wane.

In 1951, a catastrophic flood devastated much of the West Bottoms, accelerating the area’s economic decline. Businesses gradually left, and by the 1970s, the Livestock Exchange Building—once the epicenter of an industry—was largely vacant. By the 1980s, the building was in serious disrepair, its infrastructure outdated and many of its floors empty.

Preservation and Renovation (1991–1992)

In 1991, Kansas City businessman and preservationist Bill Haw, Sr. acquired the building and launched a major restoration effort. Determined to preserve its architectural integrity while bringing it into the modern era, he led a full renovation that updated all mechanical systems and restored original features, including tile floors, oak woodwork, and plaster detailing.

The renovation, completed in 1992, breathed new life into the structure. It quickly attracted businesses drawn to the building’s historic charm, generous proportions, and revitalized energy—marking the start of a new chapter for both the building and the surrounding area.

Modern Era and Cultural Anchor (1992–Present)

Today, the Livestock Exchange Building is owned and operated by Bill Haw, Jr., following the passing of his father, Bill Haw, Sr., who operated the building from 1991 through 2024. It stands as the anchor of the Stockyards District of the West Bottoms and has been consistently near 100% occupied for the past 20 years. The building is home to approximately 200 tenants, including law firms, architecture and accounting firms, designers, artists, photographers, nonprofits, and other creative and professional businesses.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984, the building remains one of Kansas City’s most important historic structures and a model of adaptive reuse. Its continued vitality is a testament to the power of preservation and the strength of the community that now thrives within its walls.

From its origins as a powerhouse of the livestock trade to its present role as a vibrant, multi-tenant hub, the Livestock Exchange Building reflects the enduring spirit and evolution of Kansas City.