Purchase Price: $145,000

5 bed · 5 bath · 1,7349 sqft

Contact: Russ Bouknight and Bria Davies – Keller Williams KC North

Call: (816) 694-1309

Amazing 1880s 3-story Victorian Home near Bartlett Park. The pictures don’t do it justice! Spacious entry, open staircase, formal living, library, formal dining, kitchen with ample storage, and enclosed porch access. Two staircases to the second floor sitting area and four bedrooms. There is also a third-floor bedroom, family room, and bathroom. Outside a fantastic patio area, carport, and a two-car detached garage can be found on a large lot of just over half an acre. The home needs some TLC, but has so much incredible potential!

House History & Gallery

Some houses fit seamlessly into their neighborhoods, and some stand head and shoulders above their surroundings. The Woodard House at 2925 Mitchell is without a doubt and example of the latter. Built just before the turn of the 20th century, this stunning frame house on its large lot has an equally stunning history.

            When the house was built by D.G. Woodard and his wife, its location was essentially rural. The Woodards took advantage of their lovely location to throw wonderful parties and luncheons, many of which spilled out on to the lawn.

            The home was sold to Allen and Flora Clark in 1908. Allen was a merchant and banker and the house was a clear symbol of his success. In 1912, the Clarks approached the Park Board with plans to improve the paving and parking on Mitchell Avenue. He proposed an 80 foot wide street that included parkway and sidewalks.

            In September 1916 the Clarks sold the property to August and Emma Ueberrhein. August was one of the leading businessmen of the City; he was the Secretary and Treasurer of the Townsend Ueberrhein Clothing Company. They lived in the home with their son Edwin and a live-in maid. Townsend Ueberrhein was one of the most fashionable and up-to-date clothing retailers in the city. In 1922, the Catholic Tribune said of the company: “Townsend-Ueberrhein Clothing company, since its beginning, has used thoroughly up-to-date and aggressive methods, which have brought it the patronage of all and not the few, which it makes every effort to hold permanently. They follow the policy that is a trade winner wherever practiced, namely, making good in all instances, and living up to every guarantee by the house.” August died of a stroke in August, 1930, but his wife Emma continued to live in the home until 1937 (she later moved to Oakland, CA where she died in 1948).

            In 1939, after her son Edwin was grown and left home, Emma Ueberrhein decided that the house at 2925 Mitchell was too large just for her and she sold it to local funeral director John Stingley. It served as both the Stingley family home and place of business until Stingley’s tragic death in 1941.

            Following John Stingley’s death, the home passed to the remarkable Burrowes family. Arthur Burrowes was the editor of the News Press, having worked for the company for many years. His family was well known in journalistic circles, both his father and his sister were well-known newspaper editors. Arthur lived in the spacious home with his wife Helen and their five children. His work with the newspaper sometimes created controversy and there were actual physical threats to Arthurs. In December 1948, a bomb threat was called in to the home and in 1956 he was attacked by a disgruntled County Judge outside the Sanitary Lunch at 721 Edmond.

            Despite those unpleasant happenings; the house was clearly a nurturing and inspiring home. The Burrowes family were high achievers and contributed a great deal to their community. All of the children graduated from college. Their oldest daughter, Mary Burrowes, followed in her family’s footsteps and went to work at the News Press, becoming one of the most respected reporters before her retirement in 1988. Their son Arthur, taught history at San Diego University before returning to St. Joseph and becoming a well-liked teacher at Central High School. Another of the daughters, Teresa [Bloomingdale], published five books about her experiences as the mother of a very large family.

            Arthur suffered a heart attack at work on July 25, 1968 and died in a local hospital. His wife stayed in the home and continued with her civic work, much of it centered around her Catholic faith.

            Since the Burrowes family left 2925 Mitchell, the house has continued to serve its residents well; a fact that is shown by the wonderful care that is has had. The wonderful home is ready for its next family.