A BRIEF HISTORy of the el torreon

1927 - The El Torreon Ballroom had its gala opening, hosting events on the second floor.

1920-30s – El Torreon’s majestic upper ballroom celebrated a great jazz history, hosting extended engagements from Cab Calloway and other luminaries of the jazz era. The lower ballroom was used for galas, food, and other large events.

1950s - El Torreon hosted rock & roll shows and a roller skating rink.

1970s - The building was affectionately known as the Cowtown Ballroom and hosted bands like Van Morrison, Frank Zappa, and Alice Cooper. It was also home to a vintage market and gave space to local artists and musicians.

Early 2000s – The smaller front room was used as an “El Torreon Concert Room” and featured various acts of the hardcore, metal, punk, and ska genres. Bridgeport Church began hosting their church services in the building and started the renovation process.

Current – The upper ballroom is closed for remodeling until late 2020. The lower ballroom, entry, and the concert space have been revitalized to host events, music and art shows, weddings, and business gatherings.

Let us provide the backdrop for your special event by scheduling a tour.

1927 Upper Ballroom

1927 - The El Torreon Ballroom had its opening gala, hosting massive events on the second floor. Many jazz and music great played in this room, while the people of Kansas City flooded the ballroom every weekend for breath-taking events and dances. The ceiling, at the time, was the highest, free-standing ceiling in the city.

ca. 1930

1920-30s – The El Torreon’s majestic upper ballroom celebrated a great jazz history, hosting extended engagements from Cab Calloway and other luminaries of the jazz era. The lower ballroom was used for galas, food, and other large events.

ca early 1930's

1920-30s – The El Torreon’s majestic upper ballroom has one of the highest vaulted ceilings in our city. Under the crystal chandeliers, dances, music performances, weddings, and other special events took place nearly every evening. The original ceiling trusses and beams are still in place, and we are hoping to begin the restoration process of this space in 2018. The lower ballroom, which has recently been restored, was used for galas, food services, and other large events.

1940's

The majestic El Torreon building has been used from everything from vintage car shows to classical music performances. In the mid-20th century, it was used for a rollerskating arena, music performance hall, and rock-n-roll venue. The same marble terrazzo floors exist in the lower ballroom and were historically restored in early 2017. If only floors could talk...

1990's

The space in the upper ballroom, referred to as the Cowtown Hall and Ballroom, hosted art event, vintage markets, movie premiers, and rock-n-roll music shows. It was under the leadership of the current owners of Holy Cow Music and Vintage Art, located just east of the El Torreon.

Early 2000's

The upper ballroom was a successful flea market, artist space, and vintage music store. It was under the leadership of the same owners of "Holy Cow - Vintage Music and Art", located east of the El Torreon. Be sure to pay them a visit for one of their Sunday showings!