Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeff Owens.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I grew up on the land that is now Hobby Hill Park in Gladstone, Missouri. Born with strong creative and mechanical abilities, I explored several different occupations, attended college, and served six years in the National Guard. Following my service, I began building sets and special effects for the film and television industry. During that time, I started purchasing buildings to use as workspaces. After retiring from the movie industry, I began leasing these buildings to local artists and creatives. This venture ultimately inspired me to open The Bauer and The Bauer Event Space in 2011.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Operating The Bauer has mostly been a smooth road. Our biggest initial challenge was renovating the building and getting it up to code before opening the studios and event space. In more recent years, we have struggled with the natural ebb and flow of the event space business.
As you know, we’re big fans of The Bauer & The Bauer Event Space. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
The Bauer is a mixed-use, creative arts space. Housed in a historic warehouse building in Kansas City’s Crossroads Arts District, The Bauer has over thirty studios that host artists, arts-inspired retail and services, a woodshop, and an event space. We’re a popular First Friday destination since we’re a community of creatives under one roof. From the beginning, the building has had a friendly energy which has led to very little tenant turnover over the last 15 years.
Our third floor event space is primarily used for weddings and corporate events, but we recently had World Cup watch parties this summer. Because the watch parties were so well-received, we’ve decided to host more watch parties for Royals and Chiefs games this fall. Fans of all ages love our food and drink selections, spectacular views and cozy living room vibes.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Growing up, there was a large, hollowed-out tree on my family’s property that could fit about six kids inside at once. My best friend and I practically lived in that tree and would spend hours there. We even built bookshelves, used candles for light, and stored our prized possessions inside, including our bows and arrows. It was a truly special place.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thebauerkc.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebauerkc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBauerKC
