Peek inside this historic Kansas City mansion where architectural preservation and symphonic celebration create perfect harmony.
Story by Ann Butenas | Photography by Matt Kocourek
When Tim Steele first laid eyes on the stunning Elizabethan-style mansion at 3621 Belleview in Kansas City’s historic Roanoke district, he knew he had found something special. The 9,500-square-foot home, built in 1906, sits across from the Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio and has been selected as the 2025 Symphony Designers’ Showhouse.
“I have wanted to restore an old home for a long, long time,” reflected Steele, president and CEO of Associated Audiologists. “When we purchased this home in May 2024, I sort of envisioned restoring one room at a time over a period of time.”
But fate had other plans. A conversation through the KC Symphony Business Alliance, which Steele’s company supported, led to an unexpected opportunity. As a longtime symphony sponsor and showhouse attendee, Steele was intrigued by the possibility of offering his new acquisition as the 55th Symphony Designers’ Showhouse for 2025.
“I casually mentioned it, without thinking much of it, and then a bit later, they approached me with the idea,” Steele recalled. The timing couldn’t have been better, aligning perfectly with his and wife Julie’s vision to use the home for community good.
The property’s history is as rich as its architectural details. Originally built for William Dever Johnson, a successful livestock trader, the home has housed several prominent Kansas City figures over its century-plus existence. Johnson later became a millionaire cattleman and benefactor of William Jewell College. The house then passed to Alvin L. Harroun, an early automobile dealer who struck it rich with the Lucky Tiger Gold Mine, and later to William D. Harris, whose wife Velma, who later became CEO of Harris Oil, was known for hosting parties attended by neighbor Thomas Hart Benton.
The home’s unique features tell stories of early 20th-century innovation. An original “enunciator” system – an early intercom for summoning servants – still partly functions today, thanks to recent electrical work. The carriage house, complete with an apartment, features an original gas pump and mechanic’s pit, vestiges of Kansas City’s early automotive era. Even the sleeping porch off the second floor, known as the “tuberculin porch,” speaks to past medical practices.
The Steeles are approaching the restoration with both reverence for history and an eye toward modern living. They’ve already tackled essential updates, including adding central air conditioning to all floors by cleverly utilizing existing structures to hide ductwork. The five-bedroom home (converted from the original seven) is undergoing thoughtful renovations, including a new kitchen and primary suite modifications.
“This is one of the coolest experiences I have had, and I have no regrets,” Tim emphasized. “It’s working out well for us, even though we went into this with no grand plan.”
Currently residing in Olathe while their youngest child finishes high school, the Steeles envision the home as more than just a future retirement residence. They plan to host personal, professional, and community events, making use of spaces like the third-floor ballroom. They’re even installing a speakeasy in the basement, building upon the foundation of a previous bar crafted by former owner Dr. Robert Stokes, a skilled woodworker who lived in the home with his wife Cindy from 1992 to 2016.
The Stokes’ influence on the home runs deeper than just the bar. Dr. Stokes was an accomplished woodworker who left his mark throughout the house. He crafted the wine racks, second-floor shelving, and most notably, created a wood ceiling in the library to match the dining room’s original design. Dr. and Mrs. Stokes added their personal touch to the third-floor ballroom by commissioning Nicole Emanuel to paint a personal mural in November 1996. Their careful stewardship of the home’s architectural heritage has made the Steeles’ current restoration work much easier.
The Steeles are also incorporating subtle nods to previous owners throughout their design choices, including horse-themed elements honoring the Johnson family’s legacy. They’re also preserving unique details like the etchings on the south window glass in the living room, believed to be birthdates of the Johnson children.
Tim has quickly learned the complexities of maintaining such a historic property. For example, the Spanish tile roof requires particular care, as only a few tiles can be replaced at a time to maintain structural stability. The home’s “breathing” system, including a bellow wall, prevents moisture issues by avoiding too-tight seals.
Much of the home’s current grandeur can be traced to the vision of Jay Martin, a prominent real estate agent who owned the property in 1978. Though he didn’t live there himself, Martin orchestrated a comprehensive restoration that brought the house back to its original glory. He employed young craftsmen to undertake painstaking work: stripping oil cloth from plaster walls, repainting surfaces, and restoring the ornate columns in the living room turret and butler’s pantry. Even the metal light fixtures and door hardware were sent out to be professionally re-plated, and new copper gutters were installed. This careful restoration laid the groundwork for all future stewards of the property.
The Symphony Designers’ Showhouse presentation offers multiple benefits beyond just showcasing the home. Design students gain valuable experience working on their first major projects, and local high school students tour the house to learn about architecture and restoration. The event supports the symphony, community music programs, and youth education.
The home has already proven its worth as a gathering place, too. The Steeles recently hosted family for their middle daughter’s wedding there and a memorable family Thanksgiving celebration. These events have reinforced their vision of the property as a space for bringing people together. The carriage house, complete with its own apartment, adds another layer of versatility to the property.
What makes this project particularly special is its connection to the house’s past residents. Descendants of the original Johnson family have visited during this transformation phase, sharing their excitement with the Steeles about the home’s preservation. This continuity of community engagement mirrors the property’s origins, as it stands on what was once the grounds of the Kansas City Inter-State Fair, a gathering place of a different era.
“It’s a cool privilege,” Tim expressed of his role as the home’s newest steward. “This home gives us a chance to go back in time while honoring the present. We’re not just preserving a home – we’re continuing a legacy of bringing people together through art, music, and community.”
