Historic Kansas City Penthouse Listed for $4.75 Million
The most exclusive private residence in Kansas City is poised to enter the real estate market with a price tag of $4.75 million. This remarkable property, known as the Antin Penthouse, occupies the pinnacle of the iconic 909 Walnut building, a structure originally erected in 1931 as the Fidelity National & Trust Building.
A Castle in the Sky
The 35-story, 470-foot twin-spired edifice now contains luxury apartments, with the sprawling penthouse consuming its uppermost floors. Real estate agent David Sandvig emphasized the property's unique and historic nature in comments to Fox.
'You can construct a 6,100-square-foot mansion in Johnson County at any time, but you cannot place a mansion atop a Kansas City skyscraper from 1931. This is truly the castle in the sky,' Sandvig stated. 'No one has ever had the chance to acquire a property like this in Kansas City. It is historic.'
Luxurious Amenities and Design
The residence boasts three bedrooms and seven bathrooms, alongside a chef's kitchen, entertainment bar, multiple living and dining areas, and an expansive outdoor terrace. The penthouse encompasses two full floors that span the building's width and include both towers, offering commanding views above the Kansas City skyline.
Alan Antin and his wife, Terry Cracraft-Antin, purchased the raw space in 2007 and undertook a comprehensive transformation. 'We aimed to create a luxurious home with all the amenities we intended to enjoy. We planned to reside here for at least 15 years,' Antin explained.
The luxury begins on Floor 32, which houses the primary living space, including the kitchen, dining, lounge areas, and the entertainment bar. Floor 33 features the primary suite, complete with a grandiose bathroom and a shower equipped with seven showerheads. This level also includes a stunning terrace, an 11-foot movie theater screen, and Antin's woodshop, where he crafted furniture for his business, Into the Wood KC.
Floor 34 accommodates two guest bedrooms, each with private bathrooms and walk-in closets. A private elevator, installed by the couple for their future needs, connects all floors. The crown jewel is Floor 35, characterized by massive windows on every wall, 18-foot ceilings, and 360-degree panoramic views of Kansas City.
An Unexpected Acquisition
Interestingly, the Antins initially sought to downsize and were only interested in Floor 32. The seller, however, required them to also purchase Floor 33, which lacked windows and was accessible only via Floors 34 and 35, ultimately leading to the acquisition of all four floors for just under $1 million.
Renovations and decorations, which took two years and cost several million dollars, were spearheaded by Terry Cracraft-Antin. Her design inspiration drew from Asian Art and Kansas luxury home style, incorporating dark wood flooring, intricate patterns, Persian rugs, and ornate accents. The couple finally moved into their completed home in April 2009.
Now, nearly 15 years later, this historic penthouse is reportedly set to hit the market this spring, offering a rare opportunity to own a piece of Kansas City's architectural legacy.
