Downtown Digs: Western Auto Lofts
The KC Downtown Loop
Carolyn Molloy • Western Auto Lofts
Carolyn Molloy, a registered nurse at The University of Kansas Health System, has lived Downtown for several years—first in the River Market, and now in the Crossroads. The 4th-floor condo she bought at Western Auto Lofts in May might be modest in square footage (748 total), but it’s big on open space, natural light, and that urban je ne sais quoi.
Here’s my conversation with Carolyn:
How long have you lived Downtown, and why did you first decide to move to the city?
I moved to the River Market about seven years ago. I had always wanted to live in the city, and particularly, in a loft. The River Market appealed to me because it has such a neighborhood feel and is super-walkable, yet it also has the diversity one finds living in a city. Once the streetcar construction was finished [in 2016], it opened up a whole new world of exploring Downtown.
What are your favorite things about where you are Downtown?
I now live in the Crossroads and, while it doesn't feel quite as "neighborhood-y" as the River Market, I love the art and dining options in this area. It's nice being close to Union Station and Crown Center, and my loft has an awesome night-time view of Children's Mercy Hospital, which gives my place a really urban feel.
What are your favorite things about your specific building and condo unit?
I had just started looking for a place to buy, and I knew some people who have lived in the Western Auto buildings, so I was intrigued by the good things they had to say. I also loved that I was able to find a loft with a balcony—those are very rare in this area. The Western Auto sign is iconic, so living in one of the Western Auto buildings makes me feel like I'm part of a very cool neighborhood that many people know just from seeing the sign.
What criteria did you have when you were looking for a home to buy?
I knew I wanted a loft for sure; I love the brick walls, high ceilings, and tons of light that I get from all the windows. I also knew I wanted a balcony. Having a common area for all the neighbors is great, but I also like having private outdoor space, and a balcony provides that for me.
What ultimately sold you on the unit you bought?
The minute I walked in, I knew this was the place for me. Gorgeous brick walls, tons of light, a newly refinished balcony, and stunning views. Another bonus I never thought I'd find in loft-living was a gas fireplace! While my unit isn't big, it feels really open and airy, and is great for entertaining. I've lived in bigger spaces, but the openness of this unit makes it feel big without the hassle of cleaning a big space.
What are your thoughts about your condo community? Do you know your neighbors?
I just moved here in May and I work 12-hour shifts, so I am slowly making friends with my neighbors. The Western Auto Condo Association has put on some fun events and built a dog park in our common area. Now that I have a dog, I've really started meeting my neighbors and it's been great. I feel like the people who live here look out for one another, and I love that feeling of community.
What places do you suggest to visitors to your neighborhood and Downtown?
I'm a big fan of Extra Virgin; I love the uniqueness of their menu and the atmosphere both inside and out. I'm sad that the Rieger isn't here [in the Crossroads] anymore—that was a favorite as well. Novel is great for special-occasion dining, and I enjoy Messenger Coffee and the rooftop deck there. Rockhill Grille is a go-to for me; it's literally across the street, and I see many of my neighbors there, so that makes it feel like a "local" place to hang out. It's also nice being within walking distance of Anton's and Consentino's Market. I love that place for groceries or grab-and-go food options. Cellar Rat is another favorite, and they have a wine club that many of my neighbors belong to and that I am joining. For music, nothing beats the Green Lady Lounge.
What nearby spots feel like “my neighborhood”? I still feel like the River Market is my neighborhood, and I try to hit the City Market whenever I can during the summer months. Brown & Loe is great for cocktails, and they also have a nice patio area with great people watching. I hit the Local Pig for my bacon and free-range chicken eggs, because those just can't be beat. I'm still exploring the area directly around me [in the Crossroads], but with so much construction going on and the pandemic, a lot of places have closed or aren't operating at full capacity. I'll be glad when we get back to some sense of normal.
Tell me about your pets, and how it is living Downtown with your furry critters….
Part of why I wanted to have a balcony was so I could get a dog again. I now have an awesome puppy named Moira and a cat named Poppy, and it's working out great. The balcony allows them both to get a feel for the great outdoors without actually being in the outdoors. This is a super dog-friendly area and, as I mentioned earlier, we just got our own dog park in our courtyard, so that is great for socializing with other pups and their people. In addition, CITYDOGs and The Mixed Mutt Creamery just opened a block from me, and those have been super-convenient and a great addition to the neighborhood. CITYDOGs offers daycare and boarding, and they have a lot of fun events for people and pooches. The Mixed Mutt has doggy and human ice cream, and lots of doggy treats, clothing, accessories, etc. Moira loves going to both those places. In addition, some of my neighbors and I have a group that shares cat-sitting duties when we travel, so that's worked out great as well.
How’s parking beyond your assigned space? (Like on Grand—do you ever park there?)
I have two assigned spaces [in a private, gated lot] that came with my loft, so I rarely have to street park. It can be a bit busy on the weekends or First Fridays, but overall, I don't think it's bad for my visitors.
How did you approach decorating your place?
I feel like this place is totally "me." It's got a boho vibe, and I feel like I've made it super cozy. I've incorporated a lot of artwork, photos, and mementos of my travels in my decor. I love to travel, and over the years I've collected many unique and beautiful paintings and three-dimensional artwork that really make my space feel so personal to me. I also have been lucky to accumulate several paintings by my friend and local artist, Mike Savage. His work is so bright and happy that I feel like it makes my space very inviting.
A favorite possession (furniture, art, knick-knack) on display at your home?
The Anthony Bourdain poster for sure. He was such a cool person and had a love of food and travel as I do. I was very lucky to meet him at a book signing in Kansas City when he was touring for "A Cook's Tour," and got the signed poster. He was so funny and gracious, and I am so glad I got to meet him in person.
What else would you like to share about your home, your neighborhood, or Downtown?
While city living isn't for everyone, I would encourage anyone who is considering it to give it a go. There is so much diversity, and it opens your eyes to what all is outside your bubble. There are challenges, for sure, but even living in a city for a short time changes your world view. I think Kansas City's Downtown area is so under-appreciated. I have friends in Boston who are shocked when they see my place (and how reasonable the cost of living is here) and surprised at how cultural and food-centric Kansas City is. Not to mention the museums, the streetcar, and the many galleries, particularly in the Crossroads area. I love it and am proud to call KC home!
