Hometown Heart, Heartland Home - Kansas City Homes & Style

Independence native turned Ohio doctor returns for Chiefs games at his new urban gameday retreat.

Story by Ann Butenas | Photography by Matt Kocourek

Nestled in Kansas City’s vibrant Power & Light District, a tale of hometown pride and football fervor comes to life. Independence, Missouri, native Dr. Jeff Hoskins, an orthopedic surgeon who now calls the Dayton, Ohio, area home, has rekindled his Missouri connections in grand fashion. His newly purchased condo in the Wallstreet Tower, updated and remodeled to reflect his lifestyle, stands as a monument to his unwavering loyalty to Kansas City and his cherished Kansas City Chiefs. Hoskins’ journey from Independence to Ohio and back again is intertwined with lifelong friendships and a deep-seated love for his favorite NFL team.

“I’ve been a Chiefs fan since I was a kid,” Hoskins reminisced. This passion was inspired and nurtured through his long-standing friendship with Justin Foutes, whose family has been season ticket holders for generations. Like Hoskins, Foutes also had moved out of state and recently built a home in a West Plaza neighborhood, calling for double the Chiefs’ celebrations.

“Justin and I have been friends for more than 45 years,” Hoskins noted. “Over the years, he and his family would invite me to the games. I have sat in his seats for a while and was fortunate to attend a few games a year while in college.”

Despite attending rival universities – Hoskins at the University of Missouri and Foutes at the University of Kansas – their friendship and shared love for the Chiefs remained strong.

As Hoskins pursued his medical career, completing his undergraduate work, medical school, residency, and fellowship, he found himself settling in Ohio. There, he built a successful career as a private practice orthopedic surgeon and shareholder in a surgery center. He raised his family in the Buckeye State, becoming a father to two daughters who are now grown.

Despite the distance, Hoskins’ connection to Kansas City never wavered. For years, he made frequent trips back to attend Chiefs home games at Arrowhead Stadium. These visits, while always enjoyable, came with the inconvenience of hotel stays.

“Staying in hotels was getting old,” admitted Hoskins, who has been a Chiefs season ticket holder for a few years now. This realization, coupled with his empty nest status and recent divorce, led him to consider a more permanent solution for his game day visits.

The search for a Kansas City-based residence led Hoskins to the downtown area, where he discovered a condo on the 17th floor that would become his new part-time home. While the space was move-in ready, Hoskins saw an opportunity to infuse it with his personal style and modern tastes.

The renovation process was comprehensive, touching nearly every aspect of the condo. Hoskins oversaw the refinishing of the original hardwood floors, transforming them from their original honey color to a sophisticated weathered gray. The kitchen received a significant upgrade with new quartz countertops and updated hardware on the cabinets. The bar area, once adorned with what Hoskins describes as “some sort of fake rock application” now boasts sleek stainless-steel tile and glass shelves.

In the living room, Hoskins made a bold design choice by reimagining the fireplace. The original gas fireplace was removed, and the wall was extended by a foot to accommodate a new, flush-mounted electric fireplace framed by striking porcelain tile. This modification not only modernized the space but also improved its functionality.

The two bedrooms also received an upgrade, as new carpet was installed, and the walls were given a fresh coat of paint. The master bedroom offers a stunning view of the Kansas City skyline, while the guest bedroom features a new ceiling fan and is adorned with an eye-catching piece of Picasso-like abstract art.

Hoskins’ attention to detail extended to the half bath, as well. It received a complete overhaul with new tile featuring a hexagon pattern, a floating vanity, and an LED mirror. These inspired appointments elevate the space, making it both functional and stylish.

Throughout the condo, Hoskins’ personal taste shines through in the carefully selected furnishings and decor. One standout piece is the dining room light fixture, which Hoskins discovered online.

“I saw that online and took a chance, ordered it, and hoped for the best,” he mused. The risk paid off, as the fixture now serves as a focal point in the dining area.

Hoskins’ Kansas City condo is not just a convenient place to stay during game weekends; it’s serves as a bridge between his past and present. It gives him the opportunity to stay in touch with his friends and his roots while still maintaining his life in Ohio. In other words, he has the best of both worlds.

As Hoskins settles into his new part-time residence, he looks forward to creating new memories in the city that shaped him. Whether he’s hosting friends for game day festivities or simply enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the Power & Light District, Hoskins’ condo reflects his treasured connection to Kansas City.

For Hoskins, the journey from Independence to Ohio and back to the heart of Kansas City speaks to the power of hometown bonds and the unifying spirit of sports. This stylish condo is a wonderful place to kick back and unwind and is also a celebration of his Kansas City roots, undoubtedly scoring a touchdown for urban living.