Flint Development Breaks Ground on Historic Renovation of Iconic Hotel Muehlebach in Kansas City

Flint Development announced that it has officially started construction on the historic redevelopment of the Hotel Muehlebach. Located at the southwest corner of 12th and Baltimore, this landmark project will breathe new life into one of Downtown Kansas City’s most storied sites, converting the long-vacant upper floors into a premier multifamily community while preserving its rich presidential heritage.

The renovation focuses on the original 1915 Muehlebach building, whose guest floors have remained empty for decades. Flint Development plans to transform these floors into approximately 158 modern apartments, featuring a luxury 12^th floor rooftop amenity deck. In a unique tribute to the hotel’s history as the White House of the West, the developer will restore the famous Truman Presidential Suite where President Harry S. Truman frequently stayed in a short-term rental unit, allowing visitors to experience a piece of American history firsthand. In fact, every American president from Theodore Roosevelt to Ronald Reagan spent at least one night at the hotel. The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Babe Ruth, Elvis and Helen Keller also stayed at the hotel.

“The Muehlebach was the center of Kansas City’s civic life for most of the last century — every president from Theodore Roosevelt to Ronald Reagan stayed here, and the top floors have sat dark for decades,” said John McGurk, Partner, Residential Development. “Bringing 158 homes back into this building, with the Truman Suite open to the public again, is exactly the kind of project you get into this business hoping to do. It has been vacant since I was a young kid in this city, and it is a special opportunity for me personally and for us at Flint to bring it back to life.”

“We are incredibly grateful to the Kansas City community and local leaders for their partnership and support throughout the approval process,” said Devin Schuster, Partner at Flint Development. “The Hotel Muehlebach renovation is a testament to our commitment to creating productive long-term community spaces for the municipalities in which we invest, providing quality homes for the workforce driving this region’s growth.”

By converting this historic site into residential housing, Flint Development is addressing the critical need for urban living options in the heart of the city. Flint Development took over the project in 2025, and it represents a significant investment in the revitalization of the downtown corridor, ensuring the architectural legacy of the Muehlebach continues to serve the public for generations to come.

“Our focus is on creating long-term value for the communities where we build,” said Hunter Harris, Partner at Flint Development. “The Muehlebach project will not only provide essential housing for local residents but will also act as a primary driver for community vitality in the area. We are committed to delivering a community that meets the rigorous demands of today’s residents while contributing to the overall economic health of Kansas City.”

The project follows Flint’s data-driven approach to identifying high-potential sites in markets with strong demand and supply constraints. By revitalizing a historic landmark, Flint Development continues its dedication to community-focused development that supports urban expansion and economic stability.