First-time visitors to the Longview Mansion will be overwhelmed by the breathtaking views of this magnificent estate with its ten acres of wooded grounds, gorgeous sunken garden and fountain, and massive 22,000 square-foot mansion situated on this historic farm in Lee’s Summit. Repeat visitors won’t be disappointed either.
With its “gentle facelift” the 104-year-old Longview Mansion has undergone nearly a year of multi-million-dollar renovations undertaken by the Sunflower Development Group with Rau Construction. The rehabilitation utilized state and federal historic tax credits, proceeds from the area TIF (Tax Increment Financing) plans, bank financing and private capital.
“The long-awaited restoration has given the mansion new life,” says Kimberly Fowler, general manager and new tenant. “The decorative outside walls are mended and the interior is redecorated. There’s also new plumbing and HVAC. Our brand new permanent attached pavilion seats 280 guests and includes a state-of-the-art sound system. We are most proud to announce that we are completely handicap accessible.”
As the owner of The Portable Chef catering company, Fowler brings 34 years of related experience to her new role as general manager. Together with Lisa Edzards, event/ceremony specialist, daily tours are underway to showcase the renovation to prospective clients interested in booking events.
“My seasoned staff and I know how to create and serve amazing events,” Fowler says. “We are blessed to now have this majestic mansion as our venue and our talented head chef, Cruz Vasquez, to help make the transition complete. We are certain that the mansion’s history and beauty along with our fresh menus, excellent service, and attention to detail will deem us one of the top venues in the Kansas City area for upscale events.”
Lumber baron, R.A Long, built the farm for his youngest daughter, Loula. She and her husband, Robert Pryor Combs, lived in the mansion for 65 years. Loula was a pioneer in women’s horse carriage racing. She competed in and won international horse shows in New York, Canada and England. She became known as the Queen of the American Royal and was inducted into the Madison Square Garden Hall of Fame.
Longview Mansion is listed on the Historic National Registry. The home and 50 other farm structures were constructed in just 18 months between 1913 and 1914. More than 50 Belgian craftsmen and 200 Sicilian stonemasons were among the 2,000 workers employed to turn 1,780 raw acres into the “World’s Most Beautiful Farm.”
“It’s a big responsibility to properly care for and maintain Loula Long Comb’s residence in a classy and respectful manner, but we are all dedicated in doing just that,” Fowler says. “I’m proud that my crew has put their heart and soul into this project for the last nine months all the way down to repairing the historic doorknobs. Our House Manager, Frank Migliazzo, dedicates long hours to the grounds and mansion upkeep, along with his wife, Jeri, Sue Jacobi and Russ and Maurine Fenstermann.
“People are always asking about the improvements at this beloved mansion, and they are always excited to know that the home is being cared for, renovated and restored with historic integrity.”
For info on self-guided tour dates, Murder Mystery shows (back by popular demand) and other mansion-generated events open to the public, visit the website at LongviewMansion.com.
To book your wedding, corporate event, fundraiser, or other event, contact:
Kimberly Fowler, general manager
The Historic Longview Mansion
1200 SW Longview Park Drive
Lee’s Summit, MO 64081
816-761-6669
