Hotel Phillips

Built in 1931 during the depths of the Great Depression, Hotel Phillips was the tallest hotel in KC and stands as a testament to Pendergast's construction boom.

Hotel Phillips

106 W 12th St, Kansas City, MO 64105 (Map)
Built: 1931
Architect/Style: Boillot & Lauck // Jacobean
Area: Power & Light District

Hotel Phillips, a historic 20-story skyscraper located at 106 West 12th Street in downtown Kansas City, is an iconic symbol of the city's architectural and cultural evolution.

Opened in 1931, this building has been a significant part of Kansas City's skyline and history. Designed by the architectural firm Boillot & Lauck in the Jacobethan style, it reflects both the architectural tastes of its era and the city's vibrant growth during the early 20th century.

Historical Significance

Glennon Hotel originally sat at 12th and Baltimore before it was demolished to make way for Hotel Phillips. Courtesy: Missouri Valley Special Collections, Kansas City Public Library, Kansas City, MO

Hotel Phillips has been a key part of Kansas City’s history since it opened in 1931. The hotel replaced the Glennon Hotel, where a young Harry S. Truman once operated a men’s clothing store. Built during the Great Depression, Hotel Phillips was a project of Charles E. Phillips, a prominent hotel developer, and designed by the architectural firm Boillot & Lauck.